217.The expanded vaccination program has always been a priority and has recorded
in recent years, efforts and investment increasingly important in view of) the increase
in funding which increased from 251 million dinars in 1997 to 909,000,000 dinars in
2008 to 1 billion 399 million dinars in 2011 to 1 billion 527 million dinars in 2012,
and regularly updating the immunization schedule in accordance with international
recommendations and requirements of the National epidemiology (introduction of
new vaccines: against viral hepatitis B in 2000 and against the Haemophilus
influenzae vaccine b in 2007).
218.Encouraging results were recorded: i) elimination of diphtheria: Zero cases of
diphtheria since 2007; ii) Polio Eradication: 0 cases since 1997, iii) elimination of
neonatal tetanus, iv) 99% reduction in the incidence of measles: from 65.5 cases per
100,000 population in 1996 to 7.7 cases in 2005 to 0.31 in 2009 to 0.28 cases per
100,000 inhabitants in 2010 to 0.07 cases in 2012; v) immunization coverage rates
above 90% for all antigens.
219.All these efforts constitute a step towards the achievement of the Millennium
Development Goals in so far as they have had a direct impact on the significant
reduction in morbidity and mortality of controllable diseases through vaccination and
reduction of infant mortality.
Programme against Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) and diarrheal diseases.
220.The programme against ARI has recorded a steady decline of its indicators,
indeed hospital morbidity decreased from 23.9% in 2007 to 22.5% in 2010, and
hospital mortality from ARI decreased from 1. 8% in 2007 to 1.7% in 2010 and 2011.
221.The programme against diarrheal diseases also recorded a steady decline of its
indicators. Hospital morbidity from diarrhoea was in 2010, the lowest of the last
fifteen years. Hospital mortality from diarrhoea has been steadily declining, with a
decrease of 89.5% from 1995 to 2010. It decreased from 1.1% in 2006 to 0.9% in
2010 and 2011.
Vaccine preventable diseases:
222.New vaccines in the national immunization schedule:
In 1997, introduction of booster doses of DT, Polio and measles vaccine at school;
- In 2003, introduction of the vaccine against hepatitis B;
- In October 2008, introduction of the vaccine against Haemophilus influenzae b.
223.Other actions implemented:
a. In 1993 the national polio eradication programme was launched. Polio has been
eradicated in our country;
b. In 2001 the national measles elimination and the programme monitoring the
vaccine adverse effects were launched
224.Epidemiological situation:
a. No cases of polio have been reported since 1996;
b. Neonatal tetanus has been eliminated;
c. No cases of diphtheria since 2006;
d. 77% decrease in the incidence of measles from 2005 to 2007.
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