SOUTH SUDAN: Measles Vaccination Campaign Launched In Twic East County

By Deborah Akur Chol, South Sudan

The Ministry of Health on Thursday, formally launched a measles vaccination campaign in Panyagor, Twic East County, Jonglei State, in response to an urgent need to stop the disease’s spread.

This week-long initiative aims to vaccinate children across all payams in the county. The launch event attracted local officials, youth representatives, women’s groups, and members of both national and state government bodies.

During the ceremony, Dr. Chol Leek Deng, Director of the Twic East County Health Department, announced that their team of vaccinators is fully prepared to begin the campaign. He confirmed that vaccination efforts have commenced in all payams throughout the county.

“Today marks the start of our vaccination efforts, highlighted by the administration of the first dose in the presence of the county commissioner and our dedicated team. We at the county health department are thrilled to report that other payams are also kicking off this essential program alongside us. This campaign will run for one week, with oversight from the county health department and the Ministry of Health,” he stated.

County Commissioner Juach Arok Juach expressed gratitude for the support received from the National and State Ministries of Health, as well as collaborators such as TearFund. He stressed the significance of having measles vaccines available, a development the county has eagerly awaited.

“It is a historic achievement to finally secure the measles vaccine for our county. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all health partners for their unwavering support for the people of Twic East and South Sudan,” he remarked.

The measles vaccine is typically part of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination series, comprising two doses. The first is generally administered to children between 12 to 15 months, with a second dose given between the ages of 4 and 6 years. Additionally, women of childbearing age are advised to get vaccinated prior to pregnancy, as are international travelers.

According to the World Health Organization, from 2000 to 2023, measles vaccination has saved over 60 million lives globally, emphasizing the vital role of these vaccination efforts in public health.