Vaccination against measles begins in Twic County

A measles prevention campaign targeting 70,000 children has begun in Twic County of Warrap state.

Measles is a childhood infection caused by a virus. The exercise is to raise awareness about the risks associated with measles and the importance of prevention through vaccination.

Health officials have launched the campaign in the 3 Payams of Wunrok, Panyok and Akoc. It is being done in partnership between the State Ministry of Health and Medicines Sans Frontier [MSF]

Mating Malek Deng, Community Health Mobilizer at the County Health Department said they are targeting children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years.

“I want to inform all communities vaccination campaign is taking place in Twic West in every centers in Nyin-Deng Ayuel, Mayen Abun, Goc-Nyang and Mading Luit, Majak Pagai,  Panyok and Wun-Chuei, Wunrok,  Yiik , Akoc center and  Gomgoi. You can visit all these centers near you for your child to receive measles vaccine. It is very important for the protection of every child,” he announced.

Mr. Mating mentioned that the vaccination campaign will continue for two weeks.

Early this year, the Ministry of Health and partners confirmed cases of measles in Warrap state.

According to WHO, measles is spread by coughing and sneezing, close personal contact or direct contact with infected nasal or throat secretions. The first sign of disease is usually a high fever, which begins about 10 to 12 days after exposure to the virus, and lasts 4 to 7 days.

Severe measles is more likely among poorly nourished young children in South Sudan, especially those with insufficient vitamin A, or whose immune systems have been weakened by HIV/AIDS or other diseases. In populations with high levels of malnutrition and a lack of adequate health care, up to 10% of measles cases result in death.