Dengue: 30% of minors between 10 and 16 years old receive vaccine in Tumbes

Tumbes Fights Back Against Dengue with Innovative Vaccination Program

The coastal region of Tumbes,Peru,is facing a familiar foe: dengue fever. This mosquito-borne illness,a constant threat during the summer months when mosquito populations surge,has spurred the local authorities to launch a proactive vaccination program aimed at protecting its youngest residents.

Over 16,000 children between the ages of 10 and 16 are targeted in this pilot vaccination initiative. Carito Benítez, the Regional Health Directorate (DIRESA)’s immunization coordinator, emphasizes the urgency of the program, stating, “In the vaccination process, we are already at 30% at the regional level. “It is indeed indeed critically crucial (…) to be able to go up a little more to protect all the children from 10 to 16 in the district of Tumbes, which is the gap we still have.”

While the overall vaccination rate stands at 30% across the region, some districts are exceeding expectations. Zarumilla, as a notable example, has reached a remarkable 86% immunization rate, showcasing a dedicated effort from its health team.Benítez highlights this achievement, proudly proclaiming, “In the district of Zarumilla, which is already 86% vaccinated, it is one of the districts that has covered the largest number of children between 10 and 16 years old. It is the effort of the entire Zarumilla health team.”

Close behind Zarumilla is Corrales, with a commendable 42% vaccination rate. The district of Tumbes itself, were the program originated, is also showing progress at 30%.

This ambitious program is not without its challenges. Building trust,addressing concerns,and ultimately ensuring widespread participation are crucial to achieving its goal of protecting vulnerable children from dengue.

Tumbes Takes on Dengue: A Pilot Program for Hope

In the face of persistent dengue fever threat, Tumbes, Peru, is leading the charge with a groundbreaking pilot vaccination program for children aged 10 to 16.This ambitious initiative aims to shield the region’s youth from this debilitating disease, paving the way for a nationwide vaccination program in the future. We sat down with Victoria Castillo, Director of Diresa Tumbes, to delve into the program’s progress, address public concerns, and explore its long-term implications.

“Our primary goal is to safeguard our children from dengue fever, a notable health concern in Tumbes,” remarks Dr. Castillo, emphasizing the program’s crucial mission. “We are targeting over 16,000 youngsters through a two-dose vaccination schedule, spaced three months apart.This pilot program is vital for evaluating the vaccine’s effectiveness and safety within our specific population, ultimately contributing to the establishment of a complete dengue vaccination program across Peru.”

Dr. Castillo highlights the unwavering support from regional authorities, including the governor and provincial mayor of Tumbes, who have committed thier resources and expertise to this critical endeavor. “We have the unwavering commitment of the authorities of Tumbes,the regional governor,and the provincial mayor of Tumbes,dedicated to this momentous campaign to combat dengue,” she emphasizes.

Addressing common parental concerns surrounding vaccine safety, Dr. Castillo confidently states, “The notion that vaccines are harmful is simply a myth. Vaccines undergo rigorous testing and experimentation before being approved for use.This dengue vaccine is produced by a reputable international laboratory and has already been successfully implemented in othre countries like Brazil and Argentina.” She stresses the importance of relying on evidence-based facts and consulting with healthcare professionals to address any anxieties about vaccination.

The pilot program, running from 2024 to 2025, is a collaborative effort with the World Health Organization (WHO) endorsing its implementation in regions like Tumbes, which have a high endemic status for dengue. Dr. Castillo urges public participation, emphasizing the importance of collective action in achieving the program’s goals. “We implore the community to embrace this initiative without hesitation,” she urges. “Our success depends on everyone’s involvement. If we fail to achieve our targets, it will be challenging to advocate for a nationwide vaccination schedule in the future.”

Looking ahead, Dr. Castillo believes this pilot program holds immense potential for shaping the future of dengue prevention in Peru.”This initiative is a crucial stepping stone towards achieving our overarching goal of establishing a comprehensive dengue vaccination program across the country,” she concludes.

A Beacon of Hope: Peru’s Dengue Vaccination Pilot Program Takes Root in Tumbes

A groundbreaking initiative to curb the pervasive threat of dengue fever is underway in Peru. The Peruvian Ministry of Health, in collaboration with local officials and healthcare providers, has launched a pilot vaccination program in the coastal province of Tumbes. This ambitious project aims to not only protect the citizens of Tumbes but also pave the way for a nationwide dengue immunization strategy.

dr. Castillo, a key figure in the program’s execution, emphasizes the significance of community engagement. “I commend the dedication of the Zarumilla health team. They’ve worked tirelessly to raise awareness and encourage parental participation,” he states, praising the 86% vaccination rate achieved in Zarumilla, a testament to the power of community involvement.Concerns regarding vaccine safety are acknowledged and addressed directly. Dr. castillo assures parents that the dengue vaccine, already successfully deployed in countries like Brazil and Argentina, has undergone rigorous testing and is endorsed by the World Health Organization.

“These are valid concerns, and we take them seriously,” he emphasizes. “we assure parents the dengue vaccine has undergone rigorous testing and is safe for use. It’s manufactured by a reputable laboratory and is endorsed by the World Health Association.We encourage open dialog and provide accurate information to address any anxieties,” he adds, underscoring the program’s commitment to openness and public reassurance.

Collaboration is at the heart of this initiative. dr. Castillo highlights the crucial role played by regional authorities, including the governor and provincial mayor. “We’re blessed to have strong partnerships with regional authorities, including the governor and provincial mayor. Their commitment is essential to this pilot’s success,” he explains. This strong network extends to local communities, health professionals, and educational institutions, ensuring widespread support and understanding.

The long-term vision for this pilot program is undeniably ambitious. Dr. Castillo envisions a day when a comprehensive dengue vaccination program is implemented nationwide. “Our ultimate goal is to implement a thorough dengue vaccination program nationwide,” he states. “This pilot will provide valuable data and insights to guide the Ministry of Health in its decision-making. We hope this program will significantly reduce the burden of dengue fever on our people,” he adds, expressing his deep hope for a healthier, dengue-free Peru.

As the pilot program progresses, it holds immense promise for not only Tumbes but for the entire nation. the success of this initiative could potentially transform the landscape of dengue control in Peru, safeguarding countless lives and ushering in a new era of public health.

What are your thoughts on this innovative approach to tackling dengue fever?

Given the success of the pilot program, what strategies will be employed to overcome logistical and financial barriers to nationwide dengue vaccination in Peru?

A Vaccine for Hope: Interview with Dr. Victoria Castillo on Tumbes’ Dengue Pilot program

The coastal region of Tumbes, Peru, is facing a familiar foe: dengue fever. This mosquito-borne illness, a constant threat during the summer months when mosquito populations surge, has spurred the local authorities to launch a proactive vaccination program targeted at its youngest residents. We sat down with Dr. Victoria Castillo, Director of Diresa Tumbes, to delve into the program’s progress, address public concerns, and explore its long-term implications.

“Our primary goal is to safeguard our children from dengue fever, a notable health concern in Tumbes,” remarks Dr. Castillo, emphasizing the program’s crucial mission. “We are targeting over 16,000 youngsters through a two-dose vaccination schedule, spaced three months apart.This pilot program is vital for evaluating the vaccine’s effectiveness and safety within our specific population, ultimately contributing to the establishment of a complete dengue vaccination program across Peru.”

dr. Castillo highlights the unwavering support from regional authorities, including the governor and provincial mayor of Tumbes, who have committed thier resources and expertise to this critical endeavor. “We have the unwavering commitment of the authorities of Tumbes,the regional governor,and the provincial mayor of Tumbes,dedicated to this momentous campaign to combat dengue,” she emphasizes.

Addressing common parental concerns surrounding vaccine safety, dr. Castillo confidently states, “The notion that vaccines are harmful is simply a myth. Vaccines undergo rigorous testing and experimentation before being approved for use.This dengue vaccine is produced by a reputable international laboratory and has already been successfully implemented in othre countries like Brazil and Argentina.” She stresses the importance of relying on evidence-based facts and consulting with healthcare professionals to address any anxieties about vaccination.

“These are valid concerns, and we take them seriously,” she emphasizes. “we assure parents the dengue vaccine has undergone rigorous testing and is safe for use. it’s manufactured by a reputable laboratory and is endorsed by the World Health Institution. We encourage open dialog and provide accurate information to address any anxieties,” she adds, underscoring the program’s commitment to openness and public reassurance.

The pilot program, running from 2024 to 2025, is a collaborative effort with the World Health Organization (WHO) endorsing its implementation in regions like Tumbes, which have a high endemic status for dengue. Dr. Castillo urges public participation, emphasizing the importance of collective action in achieving the program’s goals. “We implore the community to embrace this initiative without hesitation,” she urges. “Our success depends on everyone’s involvement. If we fail to achieve our targets, it will be challenging to advocate for a nationwide vaccination schedule in the future.”

Looking ahead, Dr. Castillo believes this pilot program holds immense potential for shaping the future of dengue prevention in Peru.”This initiative is a crucial stepping stone towards achieving our overarching goal of establishing a thorough dengue vaccination program across the country,” she concludes. “We hope this program will considerably reduce the burden of dengue fever on our people,” she adds,expressing her deep hope for a healthier,dengue-free Peru.

As the pilot program progresses, it holds immense promise for not only Tumbes but for the entire nation. the success of this initiative could potentially transform the landscape of dengue control in Peru, safeguarding countless lives and ushering in a new era of public health.

Dr. Castillo, you’ve outlined a bold plan to combat dengue.What challenges do you foresee in implementing this program effectively and achieving nationwide coverage in the future?