The first routine vaccination program was launched in the north of Syria as part of Al-Sham Humanitarian Foundation’s continuous efforts to improve health and medical care for all age groups, especially children and women. The program, which started at Al-Sham Polyclinic for Mother and Child Care in the countryside of Idlib, was launched with the support of UNICEF and in collaboration with Idlib Health Directorate, in addition to Syria Immunization Task Force. This initiative is one of the most important primary health care programs that aim to protect people, especially children, from epidemic diseases.

The program was the result of major efforts undertaken by Syria Immunization Task Force to be implemented under the auspices of UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO). Al-Sham Humanitarian Foundation is participating in such efforts through opening the first integrated immunization center in the region within the specific plan. Meanwhile, four other centers will be inaugurated in Idlib and the remaining centers will be equipped and inaugurated in March.

The center provides an integrated vaccination service for children from birth until the age of five, and also supportive doses at school age. In addition, the center gives a vaccine to women at the age of puberty, under the supervision of international organizations which are responsible for monitoring the whole process. The center staff comprises a pediatrician, three nurses, and a community awareness officer.