South Sudan says it has not recorded a case of wild poliovirus since 2009, as health authorities and international partners call for sustained vaccination efforts to protect children against the disease.
Speaking during the commemoration of World Polio Day in Juba on October 24, Under-Secretary at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Chol Makur Achiek, credited health workers, parents and development partners for the country’s progress in preventing polio.
He urged the government and its partners to strengthen vaccination outreach programmes to ensure that every child across the country receives the polio vaccine.
“Since 2009, we have not yet reported a case of wild polio,” Makur said. “To continue the noble work that we started, we must make sure that we reach every child from every corner of South Sudan and strengthen outreach so that every child is vaccinated.”
He said continued community participation and resource mobilisation were essential to maintaining the country’s progress against the disease.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reaffirmed its support for South Sudan’s Ministry of Health in efforts to prevent polio and protect children from the disease.
Speaking during the commemoration, WHO representative in South Sudan, Dr. Moses Ongom, said sustained vaccination campaigns had contributed to significant progress both globally and nationally.
He urged health authorities, communities and development partners to remain vigilant and work together to ensure that every child is protected against poliovirus.
“A significant progress has been achieved, globally and nationally. Through sustained vaccination, let us remain vigilant, protect every child, and work together to achieve a future where no child is ever again paralysed by poliovirus,” Ongom said.
Polio is a highly infectious viral disease that can cause permanent paralysis, particularly in children.
Meanwhile, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has commended the Ministry of Health, WHO, health workers, volunteers and other partners for their efforts to protect children against polio.
UNICEF representative Noala Skinner reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting the government and its partners, particularly through the continued supply of vaccines.
“I wish to express our sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Health, WHO, partners and volunteers, whose dedication continues to safeguard the health and future of South Sudan’s children,” Skinner said.
“We remain, as UNICEF, fully committed to supporting the government of South Sudan and partners in uninterrupted vaccine supply,” she added.
World Polio Day
World Polio Day is observed annually on October 24 to raise awareness about polio prevention and the importance of vaccinating children, particularly those under five years of age.
This year’s commemoration was held under the theme, “One Day, One Focus, Ending Polio for Good.”
Health authorities and international partners continue to emphasise the importance of sustained vaccination campaigns, community participation and reliable vaccine supplies to protect children and prevent the disease from returning.
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