On 5 Might 2023, the World Well being Group (WHO) declared the top of the COVID-19 world well being emergency, however efforts to struggle the virus proceed worldwide.

In South Sudan, the Ministry of Well being set an bold purpose to vaccinate over 80% of the inhabitants aged 18 and above by the top of 2024. To realize this, the Ministry of Well being included COVID-19 vaccination as a part of common healthcare companies. This strategic transfer ensured that COVID-19 vaccines have been readily accessible throughout numerous facilities, growing the probabilities of reaching a broad inhabitants.

To make sure the success of this initiative, South Sudan carried out a complete system to observe vaccination charges and illness unfold in real-time. The Ministry of Well being additionally launched focused campaigns to lift consciousness about vaccinations, particularly amongst teams at larger danger, dispel myths, and educate the general public on the advantages and security of vaccines, guaranteeing larger acceptance charges.

The Marketing campaign’s Attain

In early 2024, South Sudan carried out a profitable COVID-19 vaccination marketing campaign in Terekeka, Central Equatoria State; Kapoeta South, Kapoeta North, and Ikwotos, Jap Equatoria State; Ezo and Tambura, Western Equatoria State; Aweil East and Aweil North, Northern Bahr El Ghazal State; and Gogrial West and Tonj North, Warrap State, vaccinating over 51% of the focused inhabitants and considerably boosting general vaccination charges.

“My workforce and I went door-to-door, spreading the phrase in regards to the significance of vaccines and guaranteeing everybody had the chance to get vaccinated,” stated Alice Lajara, a group chief in Isoho village. Her efforts not solely educated the group but additionally alleviated fears and misconceptions about vaccinations.

“Alice’s go to modified every part for us. I used to be so scared for my youngsters, however she defined every part clearly and kindly. Now, I really feel assured that we’re protected”, stated Lucy Nabal, a younger mom who overcame her fears about vaccinations.
Because of the devoted efforts of group leaders like Alice Lajara, who went door-to-door to unfold consciousness in regards to the significance of vaccines, the marketing campaign achieved a powerful 86% COVID-19 vaccination price in Isoho village of Ikwotos County, Jap Equatoria State.

“Vaccines save lives,” stated Dr Humphrey Karamagi, WHO Consultant for South Sudan. “By integrating the COVID-19 vaccine alongside important vaccines such because the oral polio vaccine, pentavalent, measles, and tetanus toxoid, we are able to considerably improve the general immunity of our inhabitants and enhance the well being of our weak communities. This complete strategy ensures that our youngsters and adults are protected towards a number of ailments, paving the way in which for a more healthy future.”

Because of the beneficiant funding of the World Financial institution, South Sudan’s profitable vaccination marketing campaign demonstrates the ability of collaboration between authorities establishments, group leaders, and worldwide organizations in safeguarding communities’ well being and security. It showcases the effectiveness of complete vaccination methods, real-time monitoring, focused consciousness campaigns, and group involvement, paving the way in which for its inhabitants’s more healthy and extra resilient future.

Technical Contact:

Dr Eric Rurangwa, Electronic mail: rurangwae [at] who.int