Enhancing Immunization Services in South Sudan
UNICEF and the Canadian Embassy in South Sudan working together to strengthening South Sudan's health infrastructure and systems.
In Juba, South Sudan, Murray Jackson, the Juba County Epidemiology Supervisor, reflects on efforts to improve healthcare delivery across the country.
Before the motorcycles, it was tough. Now, if vaccines run out in remote areas, we can get to the areas quickly.
The motorcycles, funded by the Government of Canada, play a role crucial in overcoming challenges in vaccine distribution and supervision of health services. "This motorcycle helps me a lot on supportive supervision and vaccine delivery in facilities including COVID-19 vaccine, and when there aren’t any vehicles, it can take a long time to reach the facilities,” he said.
UNICEF South Sudan / Isaac Hurskin
The struggle to ensure life-saving immunizations reach every corner of the community is evident.
The hospital has had a lot of issues with transport, and we have more than 15 facilities which need vaccines.
Ruth, a mother seeking her child's regular vaccinations, said she was there to get her daughter vaccinated, with the second dose of Pentavalent. The Pentavalent vaccine, guarding against five major diseases – diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), hepatitis B and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) – remains a crucial component of the immunization programme.
This immunization programme received significant support, with 80 motorcycles generously funded by the Government of Canada. Canada's commitment extends further to contributing 90 solar direct-drive refrigerators, improving vaccine storage, and facilitating COVID-19 vaccine integration.
In a country facing regular disease outbreaks and health challenges, regular childhood immunization remains an important way to improve the health of children and the wider community. The influx of unvaccinated children from Sudan and the resurgence of preventable diseases like measles highlight the urgency of sustaining immunization efforts.
The acquisition of motorcycles and solar refrigerators marks progress in South Sudan's healthcare landscape. These tools empower health practitioners, enabling them to serve the health needs of children and communities more effectively. As South Sudan works towards health equity, international support, especially from partners like Canada, is crucial to safeguarding the health and future of its people.
