Introduction

Introduction

 

Introduction

© UNICEF/Ethiopia/Walker

His Holiness Abune Paulos, Patriarch of the Ethiopian Tewahedo Orthodox Church, Archbishop of Axum and Etchege of the See of St. Teklehaimanot, administering polio vaccine and Vitamin A supplementation.

Polio, Measles and MNTE Activities

Polio

In line with the national commitment towards eradication of polio, the Ministry of Health (MOH) in Ethiopia has been consistently conducting immunisation campaigns since 1996 with the support of partner organisations, including the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Government of Japan, Rotary International, the Centres for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organisation (WHO) UNICEF.

In 2004 the Sub-National Immunisation Days (SNIDs) will be conducted in selected 21 Woredas of East Shoa, West Shoa and South West Shoa zones of Oromia region. A total of 750,000 children age 0 – 59 months are targeted for this campaign. The first round will be conducted from October 22 – 25 and second round in December 2004.

Measles

Measles is one of the leading causes of childhood deaths in Ethiopia. A measles immunisation and Vitamin A supplementation campaign is being conducted since 1998 in selected areas of the country.

A total of 20 million children received measles immunization and supplemented with vitamin A capsule between December 2002 and December 2003.

Similarly Measles and Vitamin A supplemental campaign has been conducted   targeting 6 months to 14 years of age for measles and targeting 6-59 months for Vitamin A in 2004. 

 

© UNICEF/Ethiopia/Getachew

Dansuri Fireesa sits for her fourth tetanus toxoid vaccination. Tetanus toxoid vaccinations during pregnancy provide the baby with immunization against this fatal, yet preventable, disease.

Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus Elimination

The elimination of MNT is a priority of the MOH which in collaboration with partner organizations, TT Supplemental immunization campaigns in selected high risk zones has been conducted since 1999. In 2004 nine high risk zones are conducting TT supplemental immunization campaign targeting 2.7 million child bearing age women. These zones are North Shoa zone of Amhara region, West Shoa, South West Shoa and West Hararge zones of Oromia Region and Gomogeffa, Wollita, Kefa, Sheka, and Kenbata –tembaro zones of SNNPR.

Ethiopia is working to achieve less than one case of Neonatal Tetanus (NT) per 1,000 live births (LB) in every zone of Ethiopia annually to meet international goals. This is specifically done through the following strategies:-

• Administer 3 doses of tetanus vaccine (TT) to all women of child-bearing age (15-49 years) with additional emphasis on providing necessary doses to all pregnant women attending routine health services.

• Prioritizing the immunization of women of child-bearing age who are living in high risk areas for maternal and neonatal tetanus transmission by conducting a series of mass campaigns. Once the TT rounds are completed, routine tetanus toxoid immunization services should be strengthened so those women. 

• Promote clean delivery and cord care practice.

• Conduct effective neonatal tetanus surveillance.