By James Innocent
A week-long campaign to raise awareness about the importance of immunization, kicked off on Wednesday in Lainya County, central Equatoria state.
The awareness campaign, “African Vaccination Week” (AVW) was launched by World Vision and its CORE Group partners.
Over 130 community members, including government officials, local leaders, and health workers attended the event.
Songs, dramas, and speeches, featured during the event to emphasize the role of vaccines in protecting children and pregnant mothers from preventable diseases.
As part of the launch, 26 children received various vaccines, and 3 pregnant mothers were immunized against tetanus and diphtheria.
Speaking at the launch, Duku Justin, a clinical officer representing Lainya county medical director at the occasion said this launch aims to educate their community about vaccine-preventable diseases and the importance of vaccination for a healthy life.
“We urge the government and health workers to collaborate in ensuring everyone, especially vulnerable children, gets vaccinated” he said.
Towongo Philip, World Health Organization (WHO) County Field Assistant in Lainya highlighted that the AVW is an annual event held across Africa during the last week of April.
“Its goal is to strengthen immunization programs by raising awareness about the importance of vaccination, particularly for children and women” he explained the campaign objective.
For her part, Joice Kiden, Lainya County Women Representative expressed joy about this collaboration to celebrate AVW in Lainya.
“Many children missed vaccinations during the 2016 conflict. Health partners like World Vision were crucial then, and I encourage all mothers to bring their children for vaccination now” she stressed.
Health partners in Yei and Lainya counties, including World Vision and SPEDP, pledged to continue providing immunization services.
They encouraged parents and caregivers to bring their children for vaccination and follow the recommended schedule to ensure complete protection against preventable diseases.