This article was last updated on May 25, 2022
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The program targets about 300,000 women aged between15-49 years, according to the state Manager for Expanded Program for Immunization (EPI), Rogers Acha Martin.
He said that the vaccinators, Team Supervisors, Payam Supervisors, Social Mobilizers and county Supervisors who have already been deployed to forty six payams of the eight counties of the state in order to carry out the exercise.
South Sudan is carrying out two-year campaign, which started in October 2012, comprised three rounds of immunization for girls and women from 15 to 49 years of age.
Tetanus is a rapid and painful killer globally affecting tens of thousands of newborns each year and South Sudan is one of the few remaining Countries in Africa where prevalence of the disease is still high attributed to a common consequence of unhygienic deliveries and poor cut of umbilical cord during deliveries.
Unlike the immunization conducted in October last year across the State, the acting Program Coordinator for UNICEF, Mr. Alex Santo clarified that the exercise which runs from January 23rd to 29th, does not include children below five years.
“We have a strong commitment to raising awareness about immunization. The Health Ministry and WHO and village committees have built a healthier coordination. So proudly to announce that most of the communities in the State are informed and welcoming us to do the exercise successfully as noted last year in October. Some communities have realized that vaccination or immunization benefits them and the vaccine substance remains crucial,” said Santo.
Speaking at the launching, acting Director General for the State Ministry of Health, Dr. Elijo Omoro welcomed the initiative saying UNICEF has contributed enough in terms of vaccinations.
He informed the Torit County representatives that his Ministry conducted similar activity in October last year and has achieved much.
Dr. Omoro said that the main aim of the effort is to reduce number of maternal and neonatal tetanus to low level so subsequently becomes no longer a threat to the public health in South Sudan.
He appealed to the targeted group to turn up in high numbers or even all for effective fight against the deadly disease saying responding to this call is essential since this would protect them against tetanus.
He urged the vaccinators to fulfil their assignments accordingly saying they are his Ministry’s Ambassadors with main objective to execute plans hence eliminating the MNT by 2015.
In October last year, the UNICEF did the same exercise in the state.
Tetanus Toxoid (TT) vaccine sends vital protection to women, enabling them to stay tetanus-free through the child-bearing period.
Pregnancy and child birth are both incredibly vulnerable times for a woman who must give birth in her own home, far from health facilities.
Maternal and neonatal tetanus (MNT) is one of the greatest threats to the survival of these women and their newborn babies.
Tetanus Toxoid Vaccination gives a mother the protection she needs for five years. A child that is born to a woman protected against tetanus is also protected from the disease in the first few crucial months of life.
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