Afrigather Juba, 31 Could 2024—In a historic step in direction of safeguarding youngsters’s lives and assuaging the excessive incidence of malaria within the nation, the primary consignment of the R21 malaria vaccine arrived in Juba right now. The Ministry of Well being acquired over 645 000 doses, which will probably be distributed to twenty-eight counties with the very best malaria burden as plans proceed to scale up nationwide.
Malaria is the most important killer of kids in South Sudan. The nation grapples with one of many highest malaria incidence charges within the area. In 2022, South Sudan had an estimated 2.8 million circumstances and 6680 deaths. The nation has one of many area’s highest charges of malaria incidence with an estimated 7630 malaria circumstances and 18 folks dying of the illness daily.
“Malaria is a serious concern for our nation. We’re dedicated to decreasing the impression of malaria and bettering 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 akin to insecticide-treated mattress nets and well timed entry to medical care, will probably be instrumental in our efforts to remove malaria in South Sudan.”
The joint efforts of The Ministry of Well being, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF, WHO, and well being companions show the shared dedication to integrating these life-saving vaccines into the nationwide immunization program. The endorsement of the R21 vaccine by the WHO, following the introduction of the RTS,S vaccine elsewhere on the continent, marks a turning level within the malaria elimination programme and can guarantee a extra sturdy provide of the vaccines for malaria-affected international locations – notably in Africa.
These vaccines have confirmed protected and efficient in defending youngsters from malaria, doubtlessly saving numerous lives. With help from Gavi, UNICEF is working to acquire sufficient vaccines to immunize over 45 million youngsters worldwide within the coming years.
“The expanded availability of malaria vaccines heralds a brand new chapter in combating this lethal illness. Governments’ proactive engagement and well being programs’ preparedness are pivotal in facilitating the profitable rollout of the immunization programme. Coaching, communication methods, and sturdy chilly chain infrastructure are important parts in making certain the widespread distribution of those essential vaccines to guard the youngsters of the nation,” mentioned Hamida Lasseko, UNICEF South Sudan Consultant.
This milestone not solely signifies progress within the battle towards malaria but in addition underscores the collective dedication to safeguarding the well being and well-being of kids in South Sudan and past.
“Malaria stays a number one explanation for sickness and loss of life in South Sudan, notably amongst younger youngsters. The inclusion of the malaria vaccine within the routine immunization program represents an important addition to the present arsenal of malaria prevention and management measures. “The introduction of the malaria vaccine is a pivotal growth in our battle towards malaria,” mentioned Dr Humphrey Karamagi, WHO Consultant for South Sudan. “This vaccine offers an extra, efficient intervention to guard youngsters and cut back the burden of this devastating illness. Its integration into routine immunization will improve our potential to ship complete malaria prevention to these most in danger.”
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Concerning 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 illnesses, the Ministry collaborates carefully with nationwide and worldwide companions to handle the well being challenges going through South Sudan.
Concerning 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, preserve the world protected, and serve the weak – so everybody, in all places, can attain the very best degree 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 outdated age. Our Triple Billion targets define an bold plan for the world to attain good well being for all utilizing science-based insurance policies and programmes.
About UNICEF: UNICEF works in over 190 international locations and territories to save lots of youngsters’s lives, defend their rights, and assist them fulfill their potential from early childhood by means of adolescence. Because the world’s main group for youngsters, UNICEF tirelessly reaches essentially the most weak and marginalized youngsters, offering well being care, diet, training, and safety providers that remodel lives and construct brighter futures.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Ministry of Well being: Ministry of Well being: Mary Denis Obat, Director of Well being Training and Promotion, mobat43 [at] gmail.com
WHO: Jemila M. Ebrahim, Communication Officer, +211 921 647 859, ebrahimj [at] who.int
UNICEF: James Maiden, UNICEF South Sudan, Tel: +211921987487, jmaiden [at] unicef.org
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