WHO recently conducted a public awareness campaign on influenza prevention and treatment to increase uptake of seasonal influenza vaccination in Uzbekistan. Influenza vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent the disease. In time for the 2019 flu season, the Ministry of Health of Uzbekistan also took an active part in the yearly event.
Accessible campaign materials promote benefits of vaccination
With WHO’s assistance, a wide range of campaign materials were made available in English, Russian and Uzbek throughout the country. The materials included information about the groups at risk and facts about the flu, treatment and prevention methods. WHO information flyers were distributed in medical institutions, schools, kindergartens, and busy public places such as bazaars and beauty salons.
In addition, WHO produced 3 videos highlighting vaccination as the most effective method for preventing flu and reminding viewers of the irrationality of using antibiotics to combat symptoms. The videos were screened in polyclinics, hospitals, supermarkets and markets.
Health professionals at the forefront
In addition to raising awareness among the public, the campaign targeted health professionals. In collaboration with WHO and the Sanitary and Epidemiological Wellbeing Agency (SEWA), the Ministry of Health conducted workshops and training sessions for medical staff of SEWA and immunization centres in Tashkent and Samarkand.
The workshops shared detailed information about influenza vaccine types and at-risk groups recommended by WHO for vaccination. These include people over the age of 65, children under the age of 5, pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions, as these are the groups most likely to suffer serious complications from influenza. Health-care workers also need to be vaccinated for their own protection and to reduce their risk of infecting vulnerable patients with the virus.