Visionary Reports

The Centre for Vaccine Development (CVID) and the Programme Elargi de Vaccination (PEV) marked International Vaccination Week with enthusiasm and dedication. The celebration highlighted the importance of vaccines in preventing infectious diseases and promoting public health.

Marking the culmination of the 51st African Vaccination Week (AVW), observed from April 28th to May 7th, 2025, the Douala International Vaccination Center (CVID) officially opened its doors to the public. This significant event was highlighted by a roundtable discussion held on Tuesday, May 6th, in the conference room of the Littoral Regional Public Health Delegation.Ms. Edou Nkoo Olivia, Head of the CVID, led the discussion, aiming to raise public awareness about the center’s crucial missions and the comprehensive services it offers, which have historically been less known to the general population. The meeting saw the participation of key stakeholders including the Regional Delegate for Public Health, Dr. Ngo’o Mebe Saurel, the Head of the Communications Unit of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (PEV/Littoral), Mr. James Longsi, and representatives from technical and financial partners such as Laborex and Sanofi.In a context where the resurgence of preventable diseases and persistent inequities in healthcare access remain critical concerns, African Vaccination Week serves as a vital platform for bolstering health systems across the continent. Initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO) and celebrated annually in collaboration with African Ministries of Health, AVW strives to educate populations on the paramount importance of vaccination for individuals of all ages and to champion vaccine equity.Under the theme “Vaccination, an act of trust,” the 51st edition of AVW (April 28th – May 7th, 2025) saw Cameroon reaffirm its strong commitment to immunization through various initiatives, notably the public opening of the CVID. “The Douala International Vaccination Center is not exclusively for travelers; it is a resource for the entire population,” emphasized Ms. Edou Nkoo Olivia. “We are dedicated to providing high-quality vaccines, thanks to the invaluable support of our partners like Laborex and Sanofi.”

Ms. Edou Nkoo Olivia further clarified the synergistic relationship between the EPI and the CVID, stating, “While the EPI primarily focuses on vaccinating children from 0 to 5 years old, our center extends vaccination services beyond this age range.” Dr. Ngo’o Mebe Saurel, the Littoral Regional Delegate for Public Health, lauded the efforts of both the CVID and the PEV. He also stressed the importance of clearly distinguishing between vaccines offered under the national Expanded Program on Immunization and those administered by the CVID, alongside the critical need to prevent vaccine stockouts and adhere to established procurement standards.The roundtable discussion successfully laid the groundwork for enhanced visibility and public understanding of the CVID’s vital role. The media played a crucial part in disseminating this information to a wider audience. An evaluation of the impact of this awareness campaign is planned for the next edition of African Vaccination Week.Strategically located in the Bonanjo administrative district, nestled between the Maritime Museum and Palais 2000, the Douala International Vaccination Center offers a comprehensive array of services, including: vaccinations, personalized vaccination counseling, travel medicine consultations, and treatment for animal bites. The center operates from Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and on Saturdays and public holidays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. A wide range of vaccines are available, protecting against diseases such as: yellow fever, hepatitis A and B, tetanus, polio, influenza, rabies, measles, rubella, whooping cough (pertussis), typhoid fever, pneumococcal disease, chickenpox (varicella), meningococcal disease (ACWY135 serogroups), cholera, COVID-19, and cervical cancer

ByHENRY WANA