Contribution to the history of vaccination in Cape Verde

Abstract

The article makes an approach, essentially based on memory and some accessible documents on the origins and evolution of the vaccination process in Cape Verde.
It begins with the smallpox vaccine in the 1940s, refers to BCG beginning in the fifties by the BCG Mobile Vaccination Bri- gade of the Cape Verde Malaria Eradication Mission. It Makes references to unofficial vaccination against Tetanus, Pertussis and Diphtheria and measles in the 1970s; advances to the institutionalization of vaccination in the first years of Independen- ce in 1977, with the Project for Maternal and Children Protection and Family Planning (PMI/PF), collaboration RAADA BARNEN/AIDS. It refers to the main infectious diseases prevalent in the country and the epidemics that have occurred in the meantime, and vaccination campaigns to fight these epidemics.

It continues with the evolution of the existing Programme for the Expanded Programme of Imunisation (EPI) in the early 1990s and the progressive introduction of new antigens, in line with international developments in this area, with the col- laboration of international cooperation and NGOs, with the United Nations Agencies - UNICEF, WHO - and the Global Vaccine Initiative - GAVI.

Finally, it highlights the vaccination process against COVID-19 with great commitment from health authorities, interna- tional cooperation and effective participation of the population, whose impact on the evolution of the Pandemic in Cape Verde has been very important.