By James Innocent
More than 1,000 children have received the pneumonia vaccine in Yei River County, Central Equatoria State.
The vaccination campaign began earlier this week, targeting children under five years old.
Sisto Angelo, a representative from the national Ministry of Health, stated that the pneumonia vaccine has been approved at the national level without any adverse effects, urging everyone to spread positive messages about the vaccine within their communities.
He further emphasized that all parents should bring their children to any vaccination center, whether in rural or urban areas, as the vaccine is intended for all children in South Sudan.
During the vaccination campaign, the paramount chief of Yei River County, Joseph Brown Lomosee, advised stakeholders to ensure that accurate information reaches the citizens, as many people remain unaware of the pneumonia vaccine.
He also urged medical personnel to deliver the vaccines to the right communities, including rural areas, without fear, stating that they are “Doctors Without Borders.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Towongo Ronald, the administrator for Yei Civil Hospital, pointed out that pneumonia is caused by viruses and can be prevented through vaccination.
He noted that vaccination protects young people, helping them become resilient against many diseases, especially for children under five.
He further praised all health partners for launching the vaccine, emphasizing that protecting children from pneumonia is vital since they are the future of South Sudan.