UNICEF, government vaccinating over 1.7 million children in Guinea amid measles outbreak | WPN World People News

As the death toll and the number of suspected cases of measles continue to rise in Guinea, UNICEF and the Government of Guinea have kicked off a massive emergency campaign to vaccinate over 1.7 million children in an effort to stop the spread of measles throughout the country.

Over the past two weeks, the UNICEF team and partners have been racing against time to provide and transport over 2 million doses of vaccines, needles, and other items in Guinea as well as logistical support, vehicles, and personnel to the Ministry of Health.

“In Guinea where three out of five children are not fully vaccinated, measles can have a devastating impact as it spreads quickly and kills children,” said UNICEF Representative in Guinea Dr. Mohamed Ag Ayoya at the launch of the campaign. “UNICEF has worked quickly to provide expertise, vaccines and other materials and stands ready to support the Government in any way we can.”

The Ministry of Health announced that there are over 1300 new suspected cases and five child deaths since the beginning of 2014.

The campaign started in the capital city of Conakry and, during the next two weeks, will roll out to affected communities throughout the country, including Boffa, Boké, Coyah, Dubréka, Forecariah, Fria, Kissidougou, Lelouma, Mandiana, and Mamou.

“Over 1.7 million children need to be vaccinated immediately, so this campaign, a massive logistical operation, must be rolled out very fast,” said Dr Ayoya. “With the Government and other humanitarian actors, we are aiming to reach as many children as we can.”

Other partners such as the World Health Organization and international NGOs are contributing significantly to the vaccination campaign efforts to ensure that the maximum number of children are vaccinated.

“Vaccinations are very important,” said Kadiatou Bah, a mother who brought her children to a vaccination site. “They work well. I am very happy because now my children won’t get sick.”

UNICEF is also providing the Ministry of Health with antibiotics and Vitamin A to treat those already infected.

The Ministry of Health is urging parents, guardians, and babysitters to bring all children aged 6 months to 10 years, whether previously vaccinated or not, to health centres or vaccination sites from 8 to 22 February 2014 for protection against measles.

Source: United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund