The 9 diseases targeted by the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) are: Tuberculosis, Polio, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (Whooping Cough), Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Hepatitis B.
The Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) is a global initiative aimed at ensuring that all children have access to life-saving vaccines, regardless of where they live. Originally focused on six diseases, the program has expanded to include additional vaccines as they become available and as public health priorities evolve. These diseases are targeted because they are preventable through vaccination, are a significant cause of childhood morbidity and mortality, and have the potential to be controlled or even eradicated through widespread immunization.
Here's a breakdown of the 9 EPI diseases:
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Tuberculosis (TB): A bacterial infection that typically affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body. It is spread through the air when people with active TB cough, sneeze, or speak.
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Polio (Poliomyelitis): A highly infectious viral disease that invades the nervous system and can cause paralysis.
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Diphtheria: A serious bacterial infection that affects the mucous membranes of the throat and nose. It can lead to breathing difficulties, heart failure, paralysis, and even death.
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Tetanus (Lockjaw): A bacterial infection that affects the nervous system, causing painful muscle contractions, particularly in the jaw and neck.
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Pertussis (Whooping Cough): A highly contagious respiratory infection that causes severe coughing fits, followed by a "whooping" sound when the person breathes in.
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Measles: A highly contagious viral disease that causes a fever, rash, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes. It can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia, encephalitis (brain inflammation), and death.
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Mumps: A contagious viral disease that causes swelling of the salivary glands, particularly the parotid glands (located near the ears). It can also cause fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, and loss of appetite.
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Rubella (German Measles): A contagious viral disease that causes a mild fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. However, it can be very dangerous for pregnant women, as it can cause serious birth defects in the developing fetus (Congenital Rubella Syndrome).
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Hepatitis B: A viral infection that attacks the liver and can cause chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. It is spread through contact with infected blood or other body fluids.
These diseases are largely preventable with effective vaccination programs, making the EPI a critical component of global public health efforts.
