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  • Title: Latin American countries set 1985 EPI targets at Lima meeting.
    Journal: EPI Newsl; 1984 Apr; 6(2):1-3. PubMed ID: 12313077.
    Abstract:
    The main objectives of the Lima Second Regional Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) Managers' Meeting for Latin American countries were to formulate each country's 1985 targets for vaccination coverage and, insofar as possible, disease reduction; to analyze the strategies and activities programmed to achieve those targets in the 1985-85 work plans; and to update participants on certain technical subjects related to immunizations. Participants were divided into 6 discussion groups, each including representatives from 3 or 4 countries and met twice daily to review each others' work plans and discuss appropriate targets for the next 2 years. A respesentative from each country gave a general presentation including background information of the national EPI, its current status, and proposed targets and activities for the next 2 years as outlined in the 1985-85 work plans. Each country's plan was then discussed in detail, with other group members acting as technical advisers to suggest changes or additions based on their knowledge and experience in managing immunization programs. By the end of the week, each country has rewritten its work plan in accordance with many of the recommendations made by the group. On the last dayof the meeting, a rapporteur from each group presented a consolidated report summarizing each country's immunization program needs, strategies, and 1985 targets. Immunization coverage in Latin America has improved considerably over the last several years. In 1978 a very small proportion of the children under 1 year of age lived in countries where complete immunization coverage with DPT, polio, measles, and BCG was at least 50% for this age group. By 1983, this proportion had risen considerably (to about 40%). The overall improvement in coverage rates and decline in disease incidences are the result of the progress made in each country's immunization program, particularly since the 1981 meeting in Quito. Although programs are at many different states of development, it can generally be said that important advances have been made in the areas of vaccine supply, extension of the cold chain, selection of effective vaccination strategies tailored to meet particular needs, training evaluation, and community participation. Almost all countries report they are receiving sufficient quantities of vaccines to cover their target populations, a large majority of them through the EPI Revolving Fund. Another important advance in most country programs has been the identification of an appropriate combination of vaccination strategies to meet their particular needs. Training has been one of the EPI's most notable successes. Supervision is being increasingly emphasized in many countries. Unless programmed as a permanent, ongoing activity, supervisory visits are often made only sporadically, in response to problems which have already become critical.
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