Juba: South Sudan has launched an formidable nationwide marketing campaign that goals to vaccinate a formidable 3.47 million kids aged 0 to 59 months in opposition to polio, using the modern Oral Polio Vaccine sort 2 (nOPV2).

This very important initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Well being and backed by the World Well being Group (WHO), UNICEF, and a coalition of devoted companions, is a direct response to the alarming 36 confirmed instances of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus sort 2 (cVDPV2) present in eight counties throughout Western Equatoria, Central Equatoria, Higher Nile, and Jonglei States.

Within the face of a humanitarian disaster that has prompted important inhabitants displacements, reaching each youngster in want of vaccination presents a substantial problem. Nonetheless, the dedicated polio workforce is ready to beat these hurdles, decided to achieve even probably the most remoted villages and settlements over the subsequent 4 days.

It’s important to grasp that cVDPV2 instances can come up when the weakened dwell virus within the oral polio vaccine spreads amongst people who aren’t absolutely immunized. This uncommon circumstance can result in paralysis, highlighting the important nature of this vaccination drive. By guaranteeing kids obtain a number of doses, we are able to safeguard them in opposition to each wild and circulating Vaccine Derived Polio Viruses.

Dr. Harriet Pasquale Akello, Undersecretary Ministry of Well being, has a strong message for all caregivers: “In gentle of our nation’s difficult situations, we urge everybody to grab this chance. This polio marketing campaign is essential—each youngster below 5 should obtain oral polio vaccines. Our objective is evident: to cease the transmission of poliomyelitis. At present, we’re launching this monumental marketing campaign to make sure that each youngster throughout South Sudan is reached and guarded in opposition to this preventable illness.”

Dr Humphrey Karamagi, WHO Consultant for South Sudan, expressed deep appreciation for the help from the federal government and residents of South Sudan, in addition to the beneficiant contributions from the International Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) partnership and well being allies: “This vaccination marketing campaign is a big step towards eradicating polio, a illness that no youngster ought to ever need to face. Our collective efforts showcase our unwavering dedication to making sure that no youngster is susceptible to polio.”

“UNICEF stays steadfast in supporting the Ministry of Well being, WHO, and companions on this nationwide effort to vaccinate 3.47 million kids in opposition to polio. This marketing campaign is an important step towards eliminating the outbreak and safeguarding each youngster from this debilitating illness. As a result of no youngster is protected, till all are protected, we proceed to strengthen the chilly chain system to take care of vaccine efficacy, mobilize communities and empower frontline well being employees to achieve even probably the most distant areas” mentioned Obia Achieng, UNICEF Deputy Consultant Packages.

In December 2023, South Sudan declared a Public Well being Emergency following the affirmation of cVDPV2 outbreak. In response, the nation has efficiently performed three nationwide polio vaccination rounds in February, April, and November 2024, with this fourth spherical kicking off at this time and operating by 7 February 2025. Collectively, we are able to make historical past in defending our kids and guaranteeing a more healthy future for South Sudan.

In regards to the circulating Vaccine Derived Polio Virus sort 2 (cVDPV2)
Circulating Vaccine Polio Virus Sort 2 instances can happen when the weakened dwell virus within the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) regains power and causes paralysis in a really uncommon situation and spreads amongst people who find themselves not absolutely immunized. This type of the virus may cause paralysis. To stop this, all kids should get the oral polio vaccine through the marketing campaign, and through the noncampaign time, it’s routinely given with different vaccines within the well being facility. Getting a number of doses of the vaccine will shield in opposition to each wild and circulating variant polioviruses.

As of January 2025, instances of circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses (cVDPV-2) have been reported within the Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, Ethiopia, Mozambique, French Guiana, and Guinea.

For extra data, please contact:
Ministry of Well being: Mary Denis Obat, Electronic mail: mobat43 [at] gmail.com (mobat43[at]gmail[dot]com), Tel.: +211 924 887 006
WHO: Atem John, Electronic mail: atema [at] who.int (atema[at]who[dot]int), Tel.: +211921736375
UNICEF: Richard Ruati, Electronic mail: rruati [at] unicef.org (rruati[at]unicef[dot]org), Tel: +211921-359-578