New Delhi, Sept 08: The global alliance for vaccines and immunisation will provide the South-East Asia region, including India, with about 200 million dollars for immunisation, including Hepatitis B vaccination, a World Health Organisation official said today. "The region has now opportunities to minimise risks from vaccine-preventable diseases for children," Dr Uton Muchtar Rafei, who's regional director for the South-East Asia region, said here at the inauguration of the 21st meeting of health ministers of the region.
The sustained campaign for polio eradication had led to enhanced attention for preventing other diseases such as diphtheria and measles.
However, iodine deficiency disorders need more serious attention, he said.
Rafei said the health ministers meeting would deliberate upon various health issues relevant for the region, framework convention on tobacco control, prevention and control of SARS and essential medicines. Bureau Report