[Achievements and challenges of the expanded immunization program in the Americas].

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Vaccinology

Context:

• The Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) was established in the Americas in 1974.
• It aimed to enhance vaccination coverage and reduce diseases preventable by vaccines.
• Key objectives included eradicating polio and measles, and eliminating neonatal tetanus, tuberculous meningitis, diphtheria, and tetanus.

Purpose:

• To present vaccination coverage trends from 1990 to 1998 in 13 American Region countries.
• To describe the implementation of surveillance programs for monitoring vaccine impact.
• To analyze changes in morbidity from vaccine-preventable diseases across four time periods (1968, 1978, 1988, 1998).

Summary:

• Vaccination coverage trends and surveillance program implementation were analyzed for 13 American Region countries between 1990 and 1998.
• Morbidity data from 1968, 1978, 1988, and 1998 were examined to assess the impact of EPI.
• The study highlights the program's role in disease reduction.

Impact:

• EPI has demonstrated outstanding success in decreasing morbidity caused by vaccine-preventable diseases in the Americas.
• Despite progress, continued efforts are necessary to further improve immunization outcomes.
• The program's long-term effects on public health in the region are substantial.