Regional Immunization Program of the Americas
www.paho.org Purpose
The Regional Immunization Program of the Americas conducts clinical surveillance using case definitions and confirmatory laboratory diagnosis to monitor the impact of national immunization programs and to identify and vaccinate at-risk populations.43 History and operational characteristics
In 1977, following smallpox eradication, the Pan American Health Organization’s (PAHO) Expanded Program on Immunization was reorganized into the Regional Immunization Program. It originally targeted six vaccine-preventable diseases that were causing a high disease burden: polio, measles, pertussis, tetanus, diphtheria, and tuberculosis. Today, the surveillance systems and diagnostic laboratories established through the Expanded Program on Immunization and Regional Immunization Program comprise the backbone of the national immunization programs in the Americas. At-risk populations are monitored either by serology or clinical surveillance by approximately 23,000 sentinel sites throughout Latin America and the Caribbean; this surveillance information is reported to a central data collection network.44 PAHO headquarters collects and analyzes weekly surveillance data on vaccine-preventable diseases from the Americas; this information is disseminated to Member Countries in a weekly bulletin aimed at fostering information exchange and improving vaccination programs.40 Polio eradication strategies, consisting of high-quality surveillance of acute flaccid paralysis and routine nationwide immunization programs, including mass vaccination campaigns, effectively reduced the number of reported polio cases from 6,653 in 1970 to 0 in August 1991.44 The program has been credited with eliminating measles and neonatal tetanus in the Americas. The last endemic measles case reported from the Americas was in 2002. Rubella and congenital rubella syndrome are now targeted for elimination by 2010.45 In 1979 the Regional Immunization Program established the Revolving Fund; the fund allows PAHO to purchase vaccines, syringes, and cold chain equipment at affordable rates for Member Countries in advance of payment. The fund requires that Member Countries contribute 3% of the purchase price toward the working capital of the fund; this financing mechanism generates sufficient working capital for vaccine purchase. Most countries pay more than 95% the cost of the vaccination programs.46 To support efforts at the national level, PAHO posts 14 international consultants in priority countries. Their primary function is to help countries strengthen and maintain high-quality surveillance. PAHO also convenes a regional technical advisory group that provides technical and operational recommendations for improving surveillance and accelerated disease control strategies to PAHO and Member Countries.46 Region/countries served
Latin America, including Caribbean countries Funding/budget/staff
Not available | 
