Gambia launches main push to eradicate polio, aiming to vaccinate over 400,000 kids
The Gambia has launched the second section of its nationwide polio vaccination marketing campaign, with the formidable objective of vaccinating 426,481 kids below the age of 5.
Polio, a viral illness that may trigger everlasting paralysis and demise, was as soon as a widespread risk in The Gambia and around the globe.
The Gambia skilled its first polio circumstances within the early Eighties, with the illness wreaking havoc in lots of communities. Before the introduction of widespread vaccination campaigns, polio brought on quite a few deaths and lifelong incapacity for a lot of kids.
It is estimated that the nation misplaced a number of hundred lives to the illness, with many others left with everlasting bodily disabilities, together with paralysis.
Polio outbreaks within the Eighties and early Nineties additionally led to worry and widespread well being crises, because the illness usually affected kids below the age of 5.
However, by way of concerted efforts led by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with international well being organizations, The Gambia has made exceptional progress in combating the illness.
The nation has not reported a single case of polio since 1986, a testomony to the success of nationwide immunisation campaigns, sturdy surveillance programs, and the dedication of well being employees and group members alike.
The Gambia’s success in eliminating polio has been celebrated globally as a significant victory in public well being.
Yet, the detection of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (CVDPV) by way of environmental surveillance has highlighted the continued danger of polio transmission within the area, underlining the necessity for ongoing vigilance.
With neighboring nations nonetheless grappling with polio outbreaks, The Gambia stays liable to viral importation, making these vaccination campaigns vital in making certain the nation’s polio-free standing is maintained.
In partnership with the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), the World Health Organisation (WHO), and UNICEF, the Ministry of Health is pushing ahead with its vaccination efforts.
The marketing campaign targets each city and rural areas, with vaccination groups deployed to varsities, well being facilities, communities, and houses to make sure no baby is left behind.
Sidat Fofana, Program Manager for the Expanded Program on Immunisation (EPI), emphasised the vital significance of the marketing campaign in sustaining The Gambia’s polio-free standing.
“Polio is a preventable disease, and we must do everything we can to protect our children from it. This campaign is not just about a vaccine; it’s about securing the future of our nation’s health,” he stated.
Fofana identified that whereas The Gambia has efficiently eradicated polio, the detection of CVDPV is a reminder that vigilance is essential within the battle in opposition to the illness.
“We’ve come so far, but if we become complacent, we risk undoing all of the progress we’ve made,” he warned.
With well being employees reaching out by way of cellular companies and residential visits, the marketing campaign is designed to make sure that each baby is vaccinated, no matter location.
Mbayang Johm, Programme Officer for the EPI Communication Unit, expressed optimism concerning the marketing campaign’s success, noting the constructive outcomes from earlier vaccination efforts.
“Community participation is key to our success. The support we’ve seen from parents and local leaders has been overwhelming, and it’s this collective effort that will help us protect our children,” she stated.
As a part of the worldwide effort to eradicate polio, The Gambia’s marketing campaign serves as a mannequin for different nations in Africa. By sustaining its polio-free standing and persevering with its vaccination applications, The Gambia is contributing to the worldwide battle to rid the world of polio as soon as and for all.
By Adama Makasuba
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