Zambia mulls integrating COVID-19 vaccination into routine immunization

LUSAKA, (Xinhua) — Health experts in Zambia on Wednesday discussed developing guidelines and plans to integrate COVID-19 vaccination into routine immunization and primary healthcare services.

The decision followed the declaration by the World Health Organization (WHO) on May 5 that COVID-19 be de-classified as a public health emergency of international concern.

Christopher Simoonga, the permanent secretary in charge of administration at the Ministry of Health, said Zambia was among countries seeking to transition from a COVID-19 emergency response to a recovery mode and long-term sustainability.

The official was speaking during a five-day national stakeholders’ meeting on the development of COVID-19 guidelines in the central town of Kabwe, according to a statement from the health ministry.

He said the COVID-19 vaccine delivery needs to be incorporated into established routine health services, adding that the meeting was a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to control COVID-19 and part of the government’s commitment to building a resilient healthcare system.

Monjur Hossain, the UNICEF country representative for Health, expressed optimism that the meeting will pave the way for the integration of COVID-19 vaccination into routine immunization.