PAHO’s Director will host a virtual event with national representatives and experts to discuss the importance of immunization programs in the Americas.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have announced the Regional Launch of Vaccination Week in the Americas for 2023. This annual event highlights the importance of vaccination as a tool for preventing diseases and promoting public health. With the ongoing global pandemic, the need for widespread vaccination is more critical than ever. In this article, we will explore the significance of Vaccination Week in the Americas, its goals, and how it plays a vital role in protecting communities across the continent.


The Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, will be hosting a virtual event to kick off Vaccination Week in the Americas 2023. The event will bring together high-level national representatives from countries in the Americas, as well as a panel of experts from governments, partners, technical experts, and civil societies to discuss the importance of strong immunization programs for the region. Other regional and global authorities who have been integral to the success of the immunization program in the Americas will also be invited to attend the virtual ceremony.

The event will focus on the safety and effectiveness of vaccines to prevent new outbreaks, and on the importance of people of all ages receiving all the vaccine doses for which they are eligible. The registration link for attendees is provided for people interested in joining the virtual event.

The Master of Ceremony for the event will be Kimberly Armengol, a journalist.

During the event, there will be a range of presentations and discussions from various speakers. The event will start with an introduction of the panelists, followed by Dr. Daniel Salas, the Executive Manager of the Comprehensive Immunization Program, providing an overview of the status of the immunization program in the Americas.

Following this, there will be pre-recorded video messages from key authorities, including the President of Brazil and the Prime Minister of Barbados. There will also be a live roundtable discussion where the panelists will answer questions from the audience.

Lastly, the virtual event will conclude with a closing remark from Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, the PAHO Director, on where the region should progress with the immunization program.

Vaccination Week in the Americas is an annual event that began in 2003 and involves over 40 countries and territories from the Americas region. The event aims to promote immunization as a priority health issue and increase access to vaccines to save lives. The immunization program not only helps prevent infectious diseases but also reduces their impact on societies in the region.


In conclusion, the Regional Launch of Vaccination Week in the Americas 2023 is a crucial event that holds significant importance in promoting and strengthening immunization programs throughout the region. With the support of PAHO/WHO and other partnering organizations, this annual campaign aims to increase awareness and access to vaccines, especially in underserved communities. As we look forward to the upcoming Vaccination Week in 2023, let us continue to work together towards achieving equitable and inclusive healthcare for all. Remember, vaccination is a collective responsibility and a positive step towards protecting individual and community health. Let us all do our part in staying healthy and keeping our communities safe.