European Immunization Week (EIW) is marked across Europe every year in the final week of April. It aims to raise awareness of the importance of immunisation for the general health and well-being of the European and wider population.
In connection with the European Immunization Week, ECDC releases data indicating an increase in cases of vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles and pertussis, after decreased levels during the COVID-19 pandemic.
An outbreak of diphtheria is currently being experienced in Yemen and Venezuela. One hundred and twenty diphtheria cases have been reported in Yemen in the last two months, while Venezuela has seen more than 500 probable cases in 2017, as detailed in today’s Communicable Disease Threat Report.
This ECDC gap analysis demonstrates that there are potentially significant gaps in diphtheria diagnostic capacity within the EU/EEA in terms of surveillance, specialised laboratory diagnostics, expertise and availability of diphtheria antitoxin (DAT). The results highlight the importance of sound surveillance systems for diphtheria and laboratory personnel training, as well as the need to ensure access to immunisation and high vaccination coverage rates.