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S. Sudan, UN to immunize over 3 mln children against polio

Xinhua, March 4, 2017 Adjust font size:

South Sudan and the World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday kicked off immunization exercise targeting more than 3 million children against polio amid multiple health challenges and famine.

The campaign is part of efforts to ensure that the country remains polio-free and immunization stays in the forefront of primary health care activities.

"Conflict can have devastating, multi-generational impacts, but by leveraging our partnerships in South Sudan, we are able to continue investing in children's health, which is a vital investment in the country's future," Dr Abdulmumini Usman, WHO Representative to South Sudan said in a statement issued in Juba.

Despite multiple humanitarian crises, including famine, the first round of the National Immunization Days of 2017 aims to reach over three million children under 5 with two drops of polio vaccine.

WHO said over 18,000 trained vaccinators will carry out the countrywide campaign using both house-to-house and facility-based services to reach all eligible children nationwide.

"The implementation of vaccination campaigns is a strong opportunity to reach children everywhere in the country with cost-effective, high-impact life-saving interventions and strengthen the systems that deliver these services to the children of South Sudan," Usman said.

South Sudan has remained polio-free for the last seven years, but recent cases in Nigeria and the disruption in routine health services, coupled with low coverage of routine immunization, places the country at risk for importation of the virus.

Insecurity, accessibility and logistical challenges continue in many areas, including in Panyinjar, Leer and Mayendit Counties, where famine was recently declared.

"For the campaign to be effective in these areas, it will be implemented over 10 days to allow for overcoming security and access challenges," said the UN health agency.

To further improve vaccination coverage, special strategies, such as evening vaccination and working with security and rapid response teams with access to insecure, remote areas, will be used, it said. Endit