Italy to lead world vaccination strategy

(ANSA) - Rome, September 29 - Italy has been tapped to lead world vaccination strategy for the next five years as one of ten countries on the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) Steering Committee.
    "This is an important scientific and cultural recognition for Italy, especially now, as hostility against vaccinations is growing," said Italian Pharmaceutical Agency (AIFA) President Sergio Pecorelli.
    Italian Health Minister Beatrice Lorenzin said vaccination processes must be strengthened in order to avoid a collapse of European health systems.
    "Italy, through the Mare Nostrum sea rescue operation, has conducted over 80,000 health checks in recent months. We already have the experience needed to coordinate prevention campaigns against new possible epidemics," Lorenzin said.
    GHSA was launched by the US government in 2014 in response to infectious disease threats, and has 44 member countries.