From April 21 to 28, countries from Canada to the tip of South America and throughout the Caribbean will be part of the fifth edition of Vaccination Week in the Americas. The beneficiaries will be millions of children, young women, and seniors, mostly in remote areas.

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Pan American Health Organization Statement in Support of Cricket World Cup 2007

The Pan American Health Organization recognizes that the Cricket World Cup (CWC) 2007 is a highly important event for the Caribbean and other participating countries worldwide. As such, the Pan American Health Organization supports Caribbean countries in their preparedness plans - which include increased epidemiological surveillance before, during and after the event, and the intensification of vaccination efforts in high-risk vulnerable populations.

In addition, PAHO supports The Paramaribo Declaration issued in 2006 by the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) Managers of the Caribbean in support of Cricket World Cup health activities. Recognizing the Americas' achievements in the battle against deadly vaccine-preventable diseases, and acknowledging that such diseases are still endemic in other Regions of the world, including in CWC 2007 participating countries, the Caribbean EPI Managers invite competing national delegations and visitors participating in CWC 2007 activities to be immunized against poliomyelitis, measles and rubella prior to arrival in the Caribbean hosting countries.

If visitors are uncertain about their immunization status, they are advised to receive poliomyelitis and/or measles/rubella vaccines, ideally at least two weeks before departure from their country in order to develop adequate protection against these diseases.

Proof of vaccination will not be required for travel or to participate in any activity. However, protecting the health of the peoples of the Americas and their achievements in the fight against vaccine-preventable diseases are priorities for the Caribbean countries and PAHO. To prevent the importation of diseases, the support of the citizens of each participating country is needed.

As Vaccination Week in the Americas will take place during the closing week of the CWC 2007, PAHO invites visitors to celebrate the Fifth Anniversary of Vaccination Week in the Americas on 28 April, during the last game of CWC 2007

be held in several Caribbean nations (Jamaica, St Kitts & Nevis, Antigua & Barbuda, St Lucia, St Vincent & Grenadines, Barbados, Grenada, Trinidad & Tobago, and Guyana) March 4–April 28, 2007.