By Chernor Alimamy Kamara
The Ministry of Health (MOH) is set to conduct a nationwide immunization on measles and Rubella for one million, three hundred children together with another twenty five thousand non vaccinated kids across the country.
The immunization campaign launched on the 28th June, 2024 will target 9 to 59 months old children and it is set to last for one week starting the launch date to 4th July, this year.
Giving an overview of the Measles and Rubella Campaign, the Programme Manager of Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), Dr. Desmond Maada Kangbai recalled that sporadic cases of measles were reported in 2021 and they continue to increase in 2022. He said in 2023, the cases started subsiding and that they will continue to intensify the routine immunization in all 16 districts.
In his remarks, the WHO representative, Dr. Innocent B. Nuwagira commended the Government of Sierra Leone for its commitment to ensuring the health and safety of children through routine immunization programmes, evident in the successful execution of recent vaccination campaigns. He said that the initiative is a significant step towards achieving universal coverage and preventing outbreaks, reflecting proactive measures to enhance child survival rates.
“I would like to extend special recognition to the health workers and house-to-house vaccinators who continue to endure long walks, sometimes in the rain and heat, among other challenging conditions, to ensure that every child in Sierra Leone receives vaccination services,” he said.
He noted that the African Vaccination week, coinciding with the World Immunization Week in April, showcased the region’s dedication to strengthening immunization programmes which aimed to enhance access and awareness of vaccination’s critical role in disease control.
Dr. Nuwagira stated that measles poses a significant public health threat with its high infectivity rate, necessitating at least 95% population averting an estimated 57 million deaths worldwide between 2000 and 2022, saying the campaign launch is a testament to WHO global commitment to make measles a history, following the successful eradication of smallpox.
He admonished everyone to be vigilant, saying surveillance is crucial to detect and manage cases, and prevent further spread of the measles virus, which otherwise can jeopardize the organization’s progress. He said that “if these diseases are left unchecked, they can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, blindness, and encephalitis, underscoring the urgency of vaccination.”
In his statement, the UNICEF country representative, Rodolf Schwenl said that the seven-day campaign marks a significant step forward in the fight against these life-threatening diseases, which have claimed countless lives and continue to put more than 400 million people in the African Region at risk. He reiterated that investment in measles-rubella prevention will significantly improve child health and accelerate global progress.
He also said that UNICEF has procured more than one million doses of measles-rubella vaccine to complement the government’s efforts. He promised to continue supporting the government’s efforts to provide effective health services to the public.
The Civil Society Representative, Abdul Karim Habib said that there are still people in society who don’t believe in immunization and it is prudent on the health ministry to enforce the public health Ordinance law which makes immunization mandatory. He said immunization is about saving lives and it is high time everyone embraced it.
The Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Sartie Kenneh confirmed that they have been launching vaccination programmes for the past 20 years, yet the number keeps growing, saying it is necessary to break the number down.
In his keynote address, the Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby said it gives the ministry joy to see that kids are healthy. He said though painful when contacted which sometimes leads to pneumonia and at times deformation, yet measles is preventable.
He assured that the vaccine for measles is good, safe and free and it will protect children from contracting the disease. He said that they have reduced the maternal and infant mortality rate in the country and they want to also eradicate measles to help innocent children.
Dr. Demby expressed gratitude to the healthcare workers for their work and urged them to ensure that they leave no child behind, imploring all family members to support the health workers to carry out the immunization task successfully.
The launch was climaxed by health workers performing the first ceremonial immunization on children.
Copyright © 2024 Politico (01/07/24)
