By Yiep Joseph
Health Impact Organization has called on the government and other stakeholders to support the introduction of pneumococcal conjugate Vaccine (PCV) and rotavirus vaccine in order to reduce cases of pneumonia and other vaccine-preventable diseases.
The organization raised concern during World Pneumonia Day, which is observed on November. 12.
Penuemonia is an infection that inflames the airway in the lungs. It mostly affects children and can lead to death if not properly treated.
According to the statement extended to the media, the Health Impact Organization appealed to the government and stakeholders to support the introduction of the PCV and rotavirus vaccines in South Sudan.
“On the occasion of World Pneumonia Day, the Impact Health Organization calls upon policymakers, legislators, and stakeholders to recognize the critical importance of introducing the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) and rotavirus vaccine in South Sudan,” the statement read in part.
In this similar statement, Dr. Jolem Mwanje, Country Director of Impact Health Organization, expressed that immunization is a vital and cost-effective healthcare system that save lives.
“Immunization is one of the most cost-effective public health interventions. By investing in these vaccines, we can save lives, reduce healthcare costs, and build a healthier, more productive future for South Sudan,” Jolem said.
The organization added that the two are life-saving vaccines that have the potential to significantly reduce the burden of pneumonia and other vaccine-preventable diseases, hence improving public health and fostering economic growth.
“The introduction of the PCV can prevent thousands of child deaths annually by protecting against pneumonia diseases. Similarly, rotavirus is a leading cause of severe diarrhea among young children, leading to dehydration and death. The rotavirus vaccine can drastically reduce the incident of severe diarrhea hospitalization and fatalities,” the statement read.
The organization encouraged the government and other stakeholders to support it, adding that the increased immunization coverage for the mentioned vaccines has many benefits, such as saving lives, reducing disease incidence, and decreasing healthcare costs, among others.
The organization appreciated the South Sudan government’s commitment to improving the health system and called on them to take action in supporting the PCV and rotavirus rollout in the country.
“Impact Health Organization calls upon policy makers, legislators, and stakeholders to increase national budgetary allocations for immunization programs. By prioritizing funding for the PCV and rotaviru vaccine, South Sudan can take significant step towards achieving its public health goals and improving the wellbeing of its citizens,” the statement reads.
Meanwhile According to the Addis Ababa declaration on immunization, immunization saves lives, makes communities more productive, and is a core component of strengthening the health system and attaining sustainable development Goals.
By preventing diseases Immunization reduces healthcare spending on treatment and hospitalization while enhancing workforce productivity by reducing illness-related absenteeism. The introduction of PCV and rotavirus vaccines represents a significant investment in the future of South Sudan with potential long-term economic returns.
According to Lancet Global Health Since 2011, the rotavirus gastroenteritis burden has been on the decrease globally. The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) 2019 updates showed that most countries that have introduced the rotavirus vaccine have observed a reduction in the incidence of rotavirus gastroenteritis when compared with the 2017 reports.
Notably, the Central African Republic, South Sudan, Gabon, Chad, Guinea, Equatorial Guinea, and Comoros, who are yet to introduce the rotavirus vaccine, have seen a 10-15% s in diarrheal incidence rate, while Nigeria and Somalia have noted an approximate increase of 10%.