South Sudan’s government has stopped a measles vaccination campaign in Boma state after at least 15 young children died due to a botched vaccination campaign in Kapoeta state, a local official said.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Monday, Minister of Health in Boma State, Kony Simon said the vaccination complain was scheduled to take place next week in the state, but it was cancelled by the national government in Juba.
Simon further said the health ministry in Juba has not yet sent the vaccines to the state. He pointed out that the campaign has been suspended in Boma state until the investigation committee determines who is responsible.
The measles vaccination campaign is targeting more than two million children across South Sudan. The latest UN statement said the risk of measles in the country remains “extremely high”.