Introduction to Vaccination Week

JUBA, (Eye Radio) – As the African Vaccination Week is marked, UNICEF, World Health Organization (WHO), and the national Ministry of Health are encouraging parents and guardians to take their children for vaccination, assuring them that vaccines are safe and effective in saving lives.

Importance of Vaccination

Aping Kuluel, UNICEF Social and Behavior Change Officer, stated that parents and caretakers should be aware of the importance of vaccinating their children on time. He said failure to immunize children will expose them to dangerous diseases and leave a long-term burden on the family. “We urge all the communities to make sure that as they understand that immunization is important, they need to make sure that they don’t miss this opportunity,” Kuluel said on Eye Radio’s Dawn Show.

New Vaccines Introduced

The national immunization program has introduced additional vaccines this year to protect children from measles, pneumonia, and diarrhea. The new vaccines introduced with the support of WHO, UNICEF, and the global Vaccine Alliance (Gavi) are PCV, the Rotavirus vaccine, and the second dose of Measles-Containing Vaccine MCV2.

Addressing Misinformation

Dr. Eric RURANGWA, the WHO Immunization Hub Coordinator, cautioned the public against misinformation and disinformation around immunization. He said people should seek clarifications or questions from experts for vaccination. Eric added an appeal to parents to take their children for vaccination. “The vaccines are available at the health facilities and the healthcare workers are trained to give these vaccines safely to children. We request the mothers to bring their children to health facilities to get vaccinated before the two years of life, because this protects and we have the immunity for the communities.”

Call to Action

George Legge, the Director of Expanded Programme on Immunization at the national ministry of health, reaffirmed that “it is very important” for parents to take their children for immunization. “The vaccines are effective and it is very important for mothers and fathers to bring their children for vaccination. We are going to a one-week campaign on immunization, make sure your child receives measles vaccine.” He also urged everyone to play their part in ensuring that children are vaccinated, saying “If you go to the house make sure you ask, has this child been vaccinated? Do your part and make sure the children are vaccinated and this vaccine is safe and effective.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, vaccination is a crucial step in protecting children from dangerous diseases and ensuring their overall health and well-being. With the introduction of new vaccines and the ongoing efforts of UNICEF, WHO, and the national Ministry of Health, parents and guardians are encouraged to take advantage of these life-saving measures. By doing so, they can help prevent the spread of diseases and create a healthier community for everyone. Remember, vaccines are safe, effective, and available at health facilities, so make sure to take your child for vaccination and play your part in keeping them healthy and protected.

Food Safety Crackdown at Nimule Border

The South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS) has taken a strong stance against substandard food imports, rejecting and returning eight trucks carrying contaminated food items. This move aims to protect the health and well-being of the South Sudanese population.

The Incident

The rejected trucks, which included five trucks of maize flour, one truck of beans, and two trucks of maize and rice grain, were found to contain high levels of aflatoxins. Aflatoxins are harmful toxins produced by certain molds, which can pose serious health risks if consumed. The contaminated food items, mainly imported from Uganda, exceeded acceptable aflatoxin levels according to East African regional standards.

Reasons for Rejection

According to Estella Joan Angelo, the Deputy Director for Quality Assurance, the products were tested against the East African regional standards. The laboratory tests confirmed that the food items were unfit for human consumption, leading to their rejection. The SSNBS emphasized the importance of food safety enforcement at border points, assuring the public that such contaminated items would not be allowed into local markets.

Previous Incidents

This is the third incident in one month that the SSNBS has intercepted substandard goods attempting to enter the country through the Nimule border point. On April 13, the SSNBS ordered the return of six trucks carrying 3,840 bags of white sorghum back to Tanzania after the consignment was deemed unfit for human consumption. Another incident involved the interception and dumping of four tons of yellow peas and maize grains attempting to enter South Sudan through the Nimule border point.

Commitment to Public Health

The SSNBS reiterated its commitment to protecting public health by enforcing compliance with national and regional standards. Importers are strongly advised to ensure their products meet all applicable regulatory requirements prior to entry into South Sudan. The agency’s efforts aim to prevent the entry of substandard goods, ensuring the safety and well-being of the population.

Conclusion

The SSNBS’s crackdown on substandard food imports is a crucial step in protecting public health in South Sudan. By enforcing strict standards and rejecting contaminated food items, the agency is helping to prevent the spread of harmful toxins and ensuring the safety of the food supply. The public can be assured that the SSNBS is committed to safeguarding their health and well-being, and that contaminated food items will not be allowed into local markets.

Introduction to the Outbreak

RUMBEK, (Eye Radio) – A recent assessment of the Rumbek Central Prison in Lakes State by the Ministry of Health has revealed a measles outbreak among the inmates. At least 24 prisoners have been diagnosed with the disease, with two elderly men in critical condition.

The Current Situation

The Director General of the state Ministry of Health, Maker Malok Chieny, confirmed the outbreak after visiting the prison. He stated that the infected inmates are among the approximately 738 prisoners in the facility. The government, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), is working to treat the affected inmates by providing them with calamine lotion and painkillers to alleviate symptoms.

Response to the Outbreak

The health ministry is taking measures to control the spread of the disease. Mr. Malok expressed appreciation for the partnership with WHO and other agencies in responding to public health concerns and providing guidance to healthcare workers in the state. The ministry has sent medicines for allergies and painkillers, as well as calamine lotions, to help reduce itching and fever among the infected inmates.

Challenges in the Prison

The state prison is overcrowded, making it difficult for authorities to isolate inmates with contagious diseases like tuberculosis, chickenpox, and measles. The lack of effective isolation units and narrow rooms for emergency cases exacerbates the problem. Mr. Malok emphasized the need for creating a conducive environment to prevent disease outbreaks and recommended building more rooms within the prison to provide enough space for isolation.

Understanding Measles

Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus that spreads easily when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. It can cause severe disease, complications, and even death, especially among children. Symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, and a rash all over the body. Vaccination is the best way to prevent getting sick with measles or spreading it to other people.

The Importance of Vaccination

Before the introduction of the measles vaccine in 1963, major epidemics occurred every two to three years, causing an estimated 2.6 million deaths each year. Despite the availability of a safe and cost-effective vaccine, an estimated 107,500 people died from measles in 2023, mostly children under the age of five. Being vaccinated is crucial in preventing the spread of measles and protecting individuals, especially children, from the disease.

Conclusion

The measles outbreak in Rumbek Central Prison highlights the need for improved healthcare and living conditions in the facility. The government and health organizations must work together to address the challenges posed by overcrowding and lack of isolation units. Moreover, vaccination is key to preventing the spread of measles and protecting vulnerable populations, especially children. By prioritizing healthcare and vaccination, we can reduce the risk of disease outbreaks and promote a healthier community.