Bio-Manguinhos participated in the 6th Meeting of Eliminate Yellow Fever Epidemics (EYE), a group that brings together the World Health Organization (WHO), Unicef, and Gavi – The Vaccine Alliance, among others, to outline strategies for eliminating yellow fever epidemics globally. The Institute was represented by the manager of the Commercial Division, Patricia Santana, in addition to the participation of employees in the area. Bio-Manguinhos exported, from January to November 2022, more than 8 million doses of yellow fever vaccine to various regions of the world.

The situation in Africa is the most worrying. Only from January to November 2022, 15 countries confirmed cases of the disease. The yellow fever outbreaks in countries with a high degree of contagion risk demonstrate that there are still gaps in the immunization of the population and that EYE's efforts must be focused on eliminating the epidemic. This action is considered a grade 2 emergency by the WHO. Nearly 7 million doses of yellow fever vaccine have been approved by GAVI for emergency stock this year.

Strategies considered priorities by the EYE secretariat for containing outbreaks, and subsequent elimination of the yellow fever epidemic are: engagement, public policies and recognition of the risks associated with the disease by countries and other partners; continue to provide countries with technical assistance, mobilization and support in obtaining resources; coordination of the global yellow fever community; accelerate the implementation of mass vaccination campaigns in the three most critical countries (Ethiopia, Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo); pilot plan for implementing the risk management guide for outbreaks in urban environments; promote improvement in the sense of responsibility for controlling outbreaks; bring innovations to speed up the identification and mapping of immunization gaps; promote engagement in the private sector to immunize workers exposed to high risk of contamination.

Making an overview of yellow fever in the Latin American region, it is possible to state that the simultaneous vaccination coverage of yellow fever and triple viral (mumps, measles, and rubella) brought gains for the creation of an immunity belt in the region, as well as the introduction of yellow fever vaccine in the routine childhood vaccination schedule. In 2022, only three cases were confirmed in the 13 endemic countries in the region. Vaccination coverage did not reach, in 2020 and 2021, the level of 2019 and continues to decline, which demonstrates how the COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on mass vaccination campaigns. In 2020, nine countries in the region had a decrease in vaccination coverage. In 2021, this reduction occurred in six countries.

"The meeting was essential to reaffirm the institutional interest and importance of Bio-Manguinhos for the EYE strategy, at a very representative moment - the effort to expand vaccine coverage, also at the international level" said Patrícia.

Journalist: Gabriella Ponte
Translation: Juliana Xavier
Image: Bio-Manguinhos Communication