A child being vaccinated against measles. (WHO photo)

Measles, polio vaccination kicks off in Unity State

A crucial vaccination campaign against measles and polio, targeting children aged between five months and fifteen years of age, has been launched in Unity State’s Rubkona County.

A crucial vaccination campaign against measles and polio, targeting children aged between five months and fifteen years of age, has been launched in Unity State’s Rubkona County.

The acting health minister in Unity State, Stephen Tot Jokchieng, emphasized the importance of the initiative and said the campaign is set to reach a staggering 223,584 children across Unity State.  

“We are determined to protect our children’s health,” he said. “The measles vaccination campaign is targeting 109,362 children, and for polio vaccination, we are targeting 114,222 children in greater Rubkona County.”

The campaign’s scope extends to neighboring areas, including the Bentiu Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp and Rotriah camp for returnees.

Unity State has been grappling with a surge in measles cases, reporting over 1,200 cases and more than 73 tragic deaths since June.

In response, the World Health Organization (WHO) and Médecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) Holland have joined forces to implement the vaccination campaign, building on their recent successful efforts in Bentiu IDP camp, Bentiu town, and Rubkona town.

MSF Holland is overseeing the vaccination campaign in Bentiu IDP camp, while WHO is responsible for Rubkona town and Bentiu Town.

According to Jal Kuol Malow, the Rubkona County health director the five-day campaign will cover Rubkona town, Bentiu town, and the Bentiu IDP camp.

“We have commenced the vaccination of 114,222 children against polio and 109,362 individuals against measles in greater Rubkona County,” he said. “This vital campaign is a direct response to the recent outbreak of measles and polio in the area.”

Rubkona County has already witnessed over 100 measles cases and 20 deaths as a result of the disease since the beginning of June.