Over 50,000 children vaccinated against Measles in South Sudan: UN
May 27, 2016 (BENTIU) – At least 53,200 children in South Sudan are vaccinated at internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps in Bentiu, capital of Unity state and Malakal, capital of Upper Nile state, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
IOM said vaccination campaign targeted children less than five ears of age, living in both camps. The campaigns vaccinated nearly 45,900 children in Bentiu and 7,300 children in Malakal, reaching over 90 percent of the target children.
The campaigns were implemented in collaboration with International Medical Corps, International Rescue Committee, Médecins Sans Frontières, UNICEF, WHO and World Relief.
“The success of these campaigns is due to intensive social mobilization, effective collaboration and leadership of the Health Cluster. But routine immunizations should be strengthened both within and outside of PoC sites to reduce the likelihood of further measles cases, especially among children,” said IOM Migration Health Emergency Coordinator, Dr. Andrew Mbala.
Measles is a transmittable disease that can become life threatening if complications, such as pneumonia, arise. Children and displaced populations living in crowded areas are particularly vulnerable to outbreaks of measles and other contagious diseases.
Another IOM Health Rapid Response Team is currently on the ground in Yirol East and West counties to provide measles vaccines for another 46,900 children under five. Health actors have reported 31 suspected measles cases in the two counties this year.
IOM’s primary health care clinics in Bentiu and Malakal, as well as in Renk clinics are providing regular vaccinations against common diseases, such as tuberculosis, cholera and polio.
Last week, IOM had also vaccinated 575 children through routine vaccinations.
South Sudan Ministry of Health and Health Cluster have reported around 1,321 suspected measles cases have been confirmed early this year in South Sudan.
(ST)