Afrigather 16 July 2024, Juba, South Sudan – In a historic transfer to fight the devastating affect of malaria, the Ministry of Well being, in partnership with UNICEF, World Well being Group and Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance, right this moment launched the nationwide rollout of the R21 malaria vaccine. This landmark occasion marks a big stride within the nation’s efforts to safeguard the well being and well-being of its kids.
The launch follows the arrival of the primary consignment of over 645,000 doses of the R21 malaria vaccine in Juba on 31 Might 2024. These vaccines have been distributed to the 28 counties with the very best malaria burden, with plans to scale up the rollout nationwide.
Malaria continues to be a number one reason for sickness and dying in South Sudan, notably amongst younger kids. In 2022, the nation reported an estimated 2.8 million circumstances and 6,680 deaths. With roughly 7,630 new circumstances and 18 fatalities day by day, making South Sudan to be one of many international locations with the very best malaria incidence charges within the area.
“Malaria is a serious concern for our nation. We’re dedicated to lowering the affect of malaria and enhancing the well being outcomes for our youngsters,” mentioned Honourable Yolanda Awel Deng, Minister of Well being. “The continued use of this vaccine, alongside different preventive measures similar to insecticide-treated mattress nets and well timed entry to medical care, will likely be instrumental in our efforts to eradicate malaria in South Sudan.”
“The nationwide rollout of the malaria vaccine marks a big milestone in South Sudan’s journey to cut back the devastating burden of malaria and saving numerous younger lives. The event exemplifies how investments in well being programs can yield vital advantages, making certain that vaccines and different interventions attain these most in want. Collectively, we are able to construct a stronger basis for the well being and well-being of future generations in South Sudan. We commend the Ministry of Well being for his or her unwavering dedication to this trigger,” mentioned Persistence Musanhu, Gavi Senior Nation Supervisor for South Sudan.
WHO recommends the RTS,S/AS01, and R21/Matrix-M vaccines to forestall malaria in kids. The rollout of the RTS,S, and R21 malaria vaccines will guarantee an ample provide to satisfy demand, considerably benefiting kids residing in areas the place malaria poses a serious public well being danger.
“The expanded availability of malaria vaccines heralds a brand new chapter in combating this lethal illness. Governments’ proactive engagement and well being programs’ preparedness in collaboration with all key stakeholders are pivotal in facilitating the profitable rollout of the immunization programme. Coaching, communication methods, and strong chilly chain infrastructure are important elements in making certain the widespread distribution of those vital vaccines to guard the youngsters of the nation,” mentioned Hamida Lasseko, UNICEF South Sudan Consultant.
“The rollout of the malaria vaccine is a game-changer in our struggle towards this lethal illness. With the help of our companions, we’re dedicated to defending younger kids and lowering the malaria burden within the nation,” mentioned Dr Humphrey Karamagi, WHO Consultant for South Sudan. “WHO AFRO has deployed consultants to help the rollout, making certain the efficient introduction and distribution of the malaria vaccine by leveraging intensive experience from prior vaccine initiatives throughout the area.”
The joint efforts of the Ministry of Well being, Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF, WHO, and different well being companions reveal the shared dedication to integrating these life-saving vaccines into the nationwide immunization program. This milestone not solely signifies progress within the battle towards malaria but additionally underscores the collective dedication to safeguarding the well being and well-being of kids in South Sudan and past.
In regards to the Ministry of Well being of South Sudan
The Ministry of Well being of South Sudan is devoted to selling the well being and well-being of the nation’s inhabitants by means of complete healthcare initiatives, illness prevention applications, and capacity-building efforts. With a steadfast dedication to reaching common well being protection and combating infectious ailments, the Ministry collaborates intently with nationwide and worldwide companions to handle the well being challenges going through South Sudan.
In regards to the World Well being Group (WHO)
Based in 1948, WHO is the United Nations company that connects nations, companions, and folks to advertise well being, hold the world secure, and serve the weak – so everybody, in all places, can attain the very best stage of well being. WHO leads international efforts to develop common well being protection. We direct and coordinate the world’s response to well being emergencies. And we promote more healthy lives – from being pregnant care by means of previous age. Our Triple Billion targets define an formidable plan for the world to realize good well being for all utilizing science-based insurance policies and programmes.
For extra details about WHO and its work in South Sudan go to: https://www.afro.who.int/international locations/south-sudan
Observe WHO South Sudan on Fb, Twitter
About UNICEF
UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of each baby; in every little thing we do. Along with our companions, we work in 190 international locations and territories to translate that dedication into sensible motion, focusing particular effort on reaching essentially the most weak and excluded kids, to the good thing about all kids, in all places.
For extra details about UNICEF and its work in South Sudan go to: www.unicef.org/southsudan
Observe UNICEF South Sudan on Twitter, Fb, Instagram and YouTube
About Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance is a public-private partnership that helps vaccinate greater than half the world’s kids towards among the world’s deadliest ailments. The Vaccine Alliance brings collectively growing nation and donor governments, the World Well being Group, UNICEF, the World Financial institution, the vaccine trade, technical businesses, civil society, the Invoice & Melinda Gates Basis and different personal sector companions. View the complete checklist of donor governments and different main organisations that fund Gavi’s work right here.
Since its inception in 2000, Gavi has helped to immunise an entire technology – over 1 billion kids – and prevented greater than 17.3 million future deaths, serving to to halve baby mortality in 78 lower-income international locations. Gavi additionally performs a key function in enhancing international well being safety by supporting well being programs in addition to funding international stockpiles for Ebola, cholera, meningococcal and yellow fever vaccines. After twenty years of progress, Gavi is now targeted on defending the following technology, above all of the zero-dose kids who haven’t obtained even a single vaccine shot. The Vaccine Alliance employs modern finance and the most recent know-how – from drones to biometrics – to avoid wasting lives, stop outbreaks earlier than they will unfold and assist international locations on the highway to self-sufficiency. Study extra at www.gavi.org and join with us on Fb and Twitter.
For additional data and interview requests, please contact:
Ministry of Well being: Ministry of Well being: Mary Denis Obat, Director of Well being Schooling and Promotion, mobat43 [at] gmail.com
WHO: Jemila M. Ebrahim, Communication Officer, +211 921 647 859, ebrahimj [at] who.int
UNICEF: Garang Abraham, UNICEF Communications, Cellphone: +211922583372, E mail: gdiit [at] unicef.org
Gavi: Collins Mwai, cmwai [at] gavi.org
