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  • Title: Improving child survival through immunisation.
    Author: Lamabadusuriya SP.
    Journal: Ceylon Med J; 1993 Dec; 38(4):170-1. PubMed ID: 8143330.
    Abstract:
    UNICEF decided to achieve the 1977 World Health Organization objective Health For All By The Year 2000 through primary health care, utilizing growth monitoring, oral rehydration therapy, breast-feeding, immunization, family planning, and education of women. Since the 1960s BCG (bacillus Calmette-Guerin) vaccination, DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus) and OPV (oral polio vaccine) have been available in Sri Lanka. The expanded program of immunization has almost eliminated diphtheria, pertussis, neonatal tetanus, and poliomyelitis. Tuberculous meningitis, bone and joint tuberculosis, measles, and miliary tuberculosis have become very rare. Among other vaccine-preventable diseases, mumps is the commonest cause of aseptic meningitis and viral encephalitis in children. Maternal rubella in the first trimester causes abortion or gross teratogenic effects including congenital heart disease. Safe vaccines may be used to prevent mumps and rubella. In recent years there has been a resurgence of measles in North America among school children, and presently a 2nd dose of vaccine is recommended for children. Japanese B encephalitis has a mortality rate of over 30% and half the survivors have residual brain damage. The Ministry of Health has immunized susceptible children in some of the prevalent areas. This vaccine also gives partial protection against dengue hemorrhagic fever. In Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan hepatitis B vaccine is part of the national immunization schedule because of the common occurrence of primary hepatoma of the liver. At present this vaccine is recommended for health workers in Sri Lanka. Meningococcal meningitis occurs in some Middle East countries such as Saudi Arabia, thus Haj pilgrims are advised to be vaccinated against it before the pilgrimage. In Sri Lanka beta-thalassemia major is prevalent, and as most of these patients are subjected to splenectomy, pneumococcal vaccine should be given to them. Currently research work is being carried out for development of vaccines against rotavirus, streptococcal, and hepatitis A infection.
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