THE World Health Organization continued its support in providing Pandemic H1N1 vaccines to eleven Pacific Island Countries.

Tonga will receive 90,000 doses of H1N1 vaccine in addition to the first batch of 10,000 doses that was received in March this year. Necessary ancillary items, such as syringes, needles and supplement to the operational costs will also be provided. This has been made possible with the generous support from donor partners of WHO, including Australia and New Zealand.

Dr. CHEN Ken, WHO Representative in the South Pacific highlights, ' The vaccine will prevent disease or make the disease less severe. It is especially important for high-risk persons such as people with asthma or other chronic disease, and pregnant women. Vaccination will become a big step forward in our battle against Pandemic H1N1, as we are better prepared in response to Pandemic and we can protect the vulnerable people before the virus reaches them'.

Under technical support from WHO, all those countries have developed national Pandemic H1N1 vaccine deployment and immunization plans and have been working intensively in making appropriate preparation for vaccination campaigns, including resources mobilization, awareness campaign and staff training.

In March in Tonga the Ministry of Health rapidly deployed the vaccine to health facilities and commenced vaccination campaigns after completing all essential preparation work. Thanks to the devoted and skilful work of the health staff and the expert management by the Ministry of Health the vaccination of 10,000 persons has been almost completed. Those already vaccinated included people with chronic conditions, pregnant women, health workers, border control workers, police, military personnel, members of the National Emergency Management Committee and other groups of officials whose work would be essential in the case of an H1N1 pandemic in Tonga.

With the additional 90,000 doses the entire population of Tonga can be covered and protected against this potentially deadly disease.

WHO would like to acknowledge the support from all partners, especially governments of Pacific island countries, Australia and New Zealand. WHO Country Liaison Officer, 11/05/10.