Doha: Fieldwork for the National Vaccination Coverage Survey in the State of Qatar has commenced, spearheaded by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) in collaboration with the National Planning Council (NPC). This initiative will extend until December 24, 2025.
According to Qatar News Agency, the National Vaccination Coverage Survey is unprecedented in Qatar, designed to assess vaccination coverage rates and their determinants in a systematic and comprehensive manner. This effort aims to fortify health security and guarantee sustained protection against diseases preventable by vaccines.
The survey targets over 11,000 randomly selected households, encompassing the entire Qatari populace, including both citizens and residents with children aged between one and under seven years. Data will be gathered from parents during household visits, alongside evaluations of their children's vaccination cards.
Conducted in partnership with the World Health Organization, the survey adheres to internationally recognised standards to ensure data quality and result reliability. The Ministry of Public Health urges all chosen families to cooperate with the field teams and researchers, highlighting that their participation is a significant national contribution to securing a safe and healthy future for children. For enquiries regarding the survey, the public may contact the Qatar Healthcare Unified Contact Centre at 16000.
This initiative continues the strategic alliance between the Ministry of Public Health and the National Planning Council, following previous health surveys like the National Survey on the Risk Factors of Non-communicable Diseases, which have been instrumental in shaping health policies and services in Qatar.
Notably, the Ministry of Public Health's National Immunisation Programme, established in 1979, persistently enhances its services. Vaccinations are provided free of charge through 31 health centres under the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) and 71 private healthcare facilities. The national immunisation schedule includes 15 vaccines offering protection against 17 diseases from birth through 18 years, extending to at-risk and vulnerable populations.