Berea District—The vibrant community of Mamatebele, located on the outskirts of Berea District, recently came alive with celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI). This pivotal global health initiative, launched by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1974, has played a crucial role in ensuring equitable access to life-saving vaccines for every child, irrespective of their location or socioeconomic status.

The EPI was initially established to combat six childhood illnesses: tuberculosis, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, and measles. Over the years, the program has expanded to include more than 13 universally recommended vaccines, recognized as some of the safest and most cost-effective public health interventions to prevent fatalities and improve quality of life. Immunization is estimated to avert at least three million deaths annually and has saved more than 154 million lives since its inception, significantly reducing infant mortality by over 40 percent. 

The EPI Programme in Lesotho has achieved notable milestones, including maintaining a polio-free status since 2005, eliminating maternal and neonatal tetanus, and significantly reducing the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs).

Coinciding with the EPI @ 50 celebrations, the event also honoured World Polio Day and saw the official launch of the second dose of the Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV2). 

Dr. Mary Stephen, WHO Acting Representative to Lesotho, praised the government’s steadfast support of the EPI program. “Lesotho’s commitment to the EPI since 1979 and its polio-free status since 2005 is commendable. It is also significant that Lesotho is one of the first countries in the African Region to introduce IPV2 into its routine immunization program,” Dr. Stephen highlighted.

She further acknowledged the dedication and sacrifices of health workers, partners, community leaders, and families who have made progress in the EPI possible. “Progress is real, but setbacks can occur when we lose vigilance. Together, let us continue to build on the legacy of EPI and leave no one behind with immunization, thereby paving the way for a healthier, safer future for all,” she urged.

The Minister of Health represented by the Permanent Secretary, Matsoanelo Monyobi lauded the collaborative efforts that have driven the success of the EPI program in Lesotho. “Thanks to a unique public-private partnership between WHO, Rotary International, the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), UNICEF, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, polio has been reduced by more than 99%,” said the Minister.

Emphasising the importance of leaving no child behind, Monyobi urged all healthcare providers and caregivers to continue working diligently to ensure that every child is vaccinated.

The celebration, attended by officials from the Ministry of Health, WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, Rotary International, and other stakeholders, underscored the unified effort to enhance public health and immunization initiatives in Lesotho.