By Philip Buda Ladu
As South Sudan joins the continent in observing African Vaccination Week (April 24th-30th) under the theme “Immunization for All is Humanly Possible,” the nation marks a significant step in its healthcare system.
This year’s commemoration is particularly momentous, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), a global initiative that has saved millions of lives by combating vaccine-preventable diseases.
In a press statement extended to this outlet, the Government and health partners said the South Sudan’s national immunization program has steadily grown since its inception in 1976 with the introduction of vaccines against tuberculosis (BCG), polio (OPV), diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP), measles, and tetanus toxoid (TT).
This progress continued with the addition of the Pentavalent vaccine in 2015, the Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) in 2016, the tetanus-diphtheria booster (Td) and a second dose of IPV in 2021, and most recently, the malaria vaccine in 2024.
This year brings further advancements with the introduction of the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV), the Rotavirus vaccine, and the second dose of Measles-Containing Vaccine (MCV2) into the routine immunization schedule, supported by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
These crucial additions will protect children from pneumonia, a leading cause of childhood mortality, as well as measles and severe diarrhoea.
Dr. Anin Ngot Mou, Under-Secretary of South Sudan’s Ministry of Health, emphasized the importance of community participation.
“As we observe African Vaccination Week, we celebrate progress while passing an important message to our communities that individual health is a personal responsibility. It starts with you,” he stated. “While the Government, through its health entities, is working to ensure protection from vaccine-preventable diseases by introducing these new vaccines, the responsibility to make use of them to protect yourself and your family is in your hand.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) echoed this sentiment, highlighting the cost-effectiveness of vaccination.
“Vaccination is the most cost-effective tool to save lives and the first line of defence for protection against disease,” said Dr Humphrey Karamagi, WHO Representative for South Sudan.
“WHO commends the Government’s efforts and support by partners to ensure the successful introduction of new vaccines into South Sudan’s routine immunization programme. Prioritizing pregnant women and children will be key to building a safer and healthier population, helping us to save lives and build a robust health system.” He added.
Globally, immunization has saved an estimated 154 million lives over the past five decades, with over 50 million of those in Africa. Data suggests that in 2024, a child under ten in Africa has a 50 percent higher chance of surviving to their next birthday due to vaccination programs.
Recognizing the challenges posed by disease outbreaks, the influx of refugees, and natural disasters that have strained health systems and led to immunization backlogs, the Government of South Sudan has launched the “Big Catch-Up” vaccination initiative.
This national effort aims to reach all children under the age of five who have missed routine vaccinations.
Working in close coordination with partners like UNICEF and WHO, the Ministry of Health is rolling out catch-up activities in 30 counties, specifically targeting 146,054 “zero-dose” children who have not received any routine vaccines.
“The introduction of these new vaccines marks a major milestone in South Sudan’s efforts to ensure no child dies or becomes sick because of a vaccine-preventable disease,” said Noala Skinner, UNICEF Representative in South Sudan. “As we commemorate African Vaccination Week and 50 years of immunization progress, we are reminded of the extraordinary power of vaccines to give every child a fighting chance. UNICEF remains committed to working with the Government and partners to ensure every child, no matter where he or she lives, is reached with lifesaving immunization services.”
This year’s African Vaccination Week serves as a powerful reminder of the collective efforts to protect and improve lives through immunization, reinforcing the achievable goal of “Immunization for All.”
About the new vaccines:
Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV): Protects against severe forms of pneumococcal disease such as pneumonia and meningitis.
Rotavirus Vaccine (Rota): A live, oral vaccine preventing rotavirus infections, the leading cause of severe diarrhoea in young children.
Measles Vaccine (MCV2): A second dose of the measles vaccine, recommended by WHO to boost protection against measles.