Canadian International Immunization Initiative (CIII) - Phase II (WHO)

This grant is part of CIDA's continued support to the Canadian International Immunization Initiative (CIII). The goal of the CIII is to increase and intensify immunization services for children at risk of contracting preventable and often fatal illnesses in low- and middle-income countries. Immunization currently prevents approximately 2.5 million child deaths every year in all age groups. The global coverage rate for immunization of children under one year of age in 2007 was 81% up from 75% in 2003 with 117 countries reaching 90% or more in immunization coverage. Immunization is a universally recommended cost-effective public health priority. The CIII targets the following childhood diseases: diphtheria pertussis tetanus polio and measles. UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) work together to coordinate the multilateral portions of the CIII. This grant supports WHO activities. Canada’s support for immunization initiatives is in line with the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) to reduce the death rate of children under the age of five by two-thirds by 2015.