11,600 Diphtheria-Tetanus Vaccines Delivered to Timor-Leste’s National Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medical Products to Strengthen Immunization Efforts

UNICEF has recently donated 11,600 doses of diphtheria-tetanus (DT) vaccines to Timor-Leste’s National Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medical Products (INFPM). This donation aims to strengthen the country’s immunization efforts and protect the population against diphtheria and tetanus.

The vaccines, procured by UNICEF with a budget of over $107, were delivered to INFPM and are now being stored and prepared for distribution to health centers across the country. According to Sérgio da Costa Belo, the Procurement Director at INFPM, the vaccines arrived in boxes of ten and have undergone thorough inspection by the Receiving and Inspection team to ensure quality before distribution.

The DT vaccine is essential for preventing diphtheria and tetanus, diseases that can cause serious health complications. There are two types of vaccines mentioned: the dT vaccine, which is a double adult dose protecting against diphtheria and tetanus, and the dTpa vaccine, a triple adult dose that also protects against pertussis (whooping cough). The dT vaccine is typically given as a booster every 10 years or after severe injuries, while the dTpa vaccine is recommended for adolescents and adults, with boosters every 10 years. Women who are pregnant are advised to receive the dTpa vaccine to protect themselves and their newborns from pertussis, diphtheria, and tetanus.

This donation comes at a crucial time, as Timor-Leste has faced challenges with vaccine stock shortages, particularly for rubella and measles vaccines for young children. Maria Angelina Pereira, Head of the Immunization Department at the Ministry of Health, highlighted the importance of maintaining adequate vaccine stocks to ensure children receive timely immunizations.

The vaccines will be administered to children aged 9 to 14 years old at various basic schools, such as the Filiál Basic School 30 August in the Pante Makasar sub-region, as part of ongoing efforts to prevent diphtheria, tetanus, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infections.

This initiative reflects UNICEF’s continued support for Timor-Leste’s public health system, helping to safeguard the health of children and adults alike. The timely delivery and distribution of these vaccines will contribute significantly to reducing the risk of outbreaks and improving overall community health.