Yambio, 13 February 2024 – In response to the confirmed outbreak of yellow fever on 24 December 2023, with two laboratory-confirmed circumstances recognized in Western Equatoria State, the Ministry of Well being, in collaboration with the World Well being Group (WHO), UNICEF, and different companions, has initiated a reactive Yellow Fever vaccination marketing campaign as a part of preventive response intervention.
Yellow fever, an acute viral hemorrhagic illness transmitted by contaminated mosquitoes, poses a big public well being risk. Characterised by signs equivalent to fever, headache, jaundice, muscle ache, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue, the illness can result in extreme problems, with roughly half of sufferers succumbing inside 7 to 10 days.
As of three February 2024, 48 suspected and two confirmed Yellow Fever circumstances had been reported from Yambio, Nzara, Tambura, Ibba, Ezo, and Maridi Counties of Western Equatoria State.
“To deal with the outbreak, a multidisciplinary staff of epidemiologists, public well being officers, entomologists, laboratory specialists, and threat communication consultants carried out an in depth epidemiological investigation to characterize the extent of the outbreak, establish threat/publicity elements and implement management and prevention measures,” acknowledged Honourable Yolanda Awel Deng, Minister of Well being.
Dr Humphrey Karamagi, WHO Consultant for South Sudan, emphasised, “The yellow fever vaccination marketing campaign aligns with the worldwide technique to Remove Yellow Fever Epidemics (EYE) by 2026. This reactive measure goals to guard populations at excessive threat and act as a bridge in direction of integrating the yellow fever vaccine into routine immunization methods.”
Concentrating on roughly 610 000 people aged 9 months to 65 years in Yambio, Tambura Ezo, Ibba, and Maridi, the vaccination marketing campaign makes use of doses secured from the World emergency yellow fever vaccine stockpile of the Worldwide Coordination Group (ICG) on Vaccine Provision, supported by funding from Gavi.
“It’s crucial to cease the outbreak and halt additional infections. Immunization is one of the best instrument we’ve to cease the unfold. With the deployment of vaccines, and related provides and gear coupled with educated well being employees and sensitized communities, we are able to defend the youngsters and communities affected,” mentioned Hamida Lasseko, UNICEF South Sudan Consultant.
For extra info, please contact:
Ministry of Well being: Dr. John Rumunu, +211924767490, ori.moiga [at] gmail.com
WHO: Jemila M. Ebrahim, +211 921647859, ebrahimj [at] who.int
UNICEF: James Maiden, +211912162888, jmaiden [at] unicef.org