As the population of Latin America and the Caribbean grows, so do the region's healthcare needs. Although access has expanded greatly in past decades, recent events such as the COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted and exacerbated existing problems in health systems throughout the region. For example, some countries across the hemisphere have seen declines of as much as 20% in non-COVID-19 vaccine delivery.
Varicella, or Chickenpox, is one of the many infectious diseases that have seen drops in vaccination coverage. What have been the effects of this drop in coverage on healthcare systems? What can the case of varicella vaccination tell us about healthcare challenges more broadly?
On Thursday, February 2, 11:00am to 12:30pm ET, join the Wilson Center Mexico Institute, the Americas Health Foundation, and a panel of experts to discuss challenges and benefits of regular and widespread vaccination. With a focus on varicella, the conversation will address how governments can strengthen their public health systems to more inclusively, efficiently, and productively provide preventative care, including through vaccination.
SPEAKERS
Dr. Enrique Chacón-Cruz
Pediatric Infectious Diseases Specialist
Dr. Alejandro Cravioto
President of the WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunization
Dr. Cristina Mariño
Dr. Mario Melgar
Dr. Mirella Vazquez Rivera
Former president and current treasurer of the Mexican Association of Pediatric Infectious Diseases