World Immunization week: Hundreds of thousands will miss out on the measles vaccine in South Sudan due to COVID-19

JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN, 24 APRIL – 787,000 children are missing out on measles vaccine as the second phase of the nationwide vaccination campaign is postponed due to COVID-19. In February this year, a national measles vaccination campaign was launched aiming at vaccinating 2.5 million children across South Sudan. While the first phase covering 70 per cent of the counties was completed, the second phase covering the remaining counties is postponed.

While the campaign is postponed, routine immunization including provision of the measles vaccine, is continuing at health care centres across South Sudan. Immunization is one of the easiest ways to protect children from life-threatening diseases. In the context of COVID-19 where the already fragile health system might be overwhelmed, vaccinating children is more important than ever.

“COVID-19 has shown us what a contagious disease without a vaccine can do to the world. Measles is extremely contagious, but we are lucky because we have an effective vaccine,” said Dr Mohamed Ag Ayoya, UNICEF South Sudan Representative. “I urge every parent and caregiver to take your children for immunization. It is the easiest way to protect our youngest against life-threatening diseases.”

As the world commemorates World Immunization week starting on 24 April, South Sudan is still battling measles outbreaks which started in January 2019. A total of 4720 cases have been reported including 23 deaths. The outbreak is related to the low child immunization rate in South Sudan, which is at 42 per cent for measles.

With the support of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF has boosted routine immunization by increasing the capacity to vaccinate children. Each health facility has two vaccinators for onsite immunization and outreach activities. Each county has four vaccinators conducting mobile vaccination activities. Furthermore, UNICEF has increased the number of cold chain points from 471 in 2017 to 721 in 2019. In the context of COVID-19, UNICEF is supporting health centres and hospitals with infection prevention and control training and equipment to ensure safe continuation of health services including immunization.

“We can’t sit and see more children dying under our watch in South Sudan from preventable diseases; therefore, we must ensure they are protected, also in the time of COVID-19,” said Ayoya. “UNICEF, together with the Ministry of Health and other partners, is doing what we can to ensure regular services are continuing.”

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