The health ministry in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State on Monday launched a weeklong measles vaccination campaign targeting some 259,733 children from 6 months to 5 years of age.
Measles also known as rubella is a viral infection that is serious for children. The disease spreads through the air by respiratory droplets produced from coughing or sneezing, according to WHO but both diseases are easily preventable by vaccination.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday, the Expanded Program on Immunization Manager in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, Santino Ngong, confirmed that the campaign was successively launched.
“Yes, the campaign was been launched yesterday (Monday) and this is a state-wide campaign targeting 259,733 children aged up to 59 months,” he said.
Meanwhile, Amou Deng, a mother who took her children for vaccination appreciated the state government for launching the campaign.
“This is a very good thing and protection for our children from sicknesses. We thank the government because the children will not get sick,” she said. “I want to inform those who have not brought their children to hear my voice and bring their little ones for vaccination.”
For his part, the Aweil East County health director, Dr. Riing Yak, said the vaccination drive was going on smoothly in all eight payams in the county.
“We have started the immunization today (Tuesday) and it is going on smoothly in all eight payams of Aweil East County,” he said.