…..as the nationwide campaign begins
By: J. Saye Suah/ GNN
Barclayville, November 26, 2024 (GNN)- The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Health in collaboration with its partners have officially launched nationwide measles vaccination campaign to combat the ongoing measles outbreak.
The vaccination camping was launched at the Barclayville Health Center on Monday on November 25, 2024, with government stakeholders and partners in attendance.
Melvina Oliver one of the national supervisors said the vaccination campaign will run from November 25 to December 1,2024 targeting more than sixteen thousand eligible children aged nine months to five years across the county.
According to her, the government’s initiative marks a crucial step toward eliminating measles in Liberia and ensuring all children are protected from preventable diseases.
Madam Oliver added that the vaccine will be administered free of charge as a single dose injection on the upper left arm of children.
She is therefore encouraging Parents to take their children to vaccination sites at clinics, hospitals, and special vaccination posts, including at schools, religious centers, churches, mosques, and markets, receive the measles vaccine.
The Ministry of Health representative noted that clarified that the vaccination teams will not be doing house-to-house visits.
“All vaccines given to children will be recorded on the vaccination card, and the card will be given to the parent and caregivers, Melvina Oliver said.
The National Expanded Programme or Immunization EPI Supervisor maintained that measles is a contentious disease that can cause blindness amongst children of the targeted age range, the World Health Organization and UNICEF have deemed it necessary to vaccinate them against measles.
She said the vaccination exercise will last for seven days and is encouraging Parents to allow their children to be vaccinated in Grand Kru County.
Madam Oliver expressed her gratitude to donor partners and stakeholders for their continuous cooperation and support to health system of the county and admonished them to do more.
She emphasized the importance of measles vaccination, stating, “eradicating measles is not just a victory for children’s health but a milestone for public health sector of Grand Kru County, called on parents, caregivers, religious leaders, and all Liberians to join the fight against measles.
In separate remarks, Philip V. Snylder
UNICEF Social Behavior Change Consultant to Grand Kru stressed that the administration of the measles vaccine is to save lives. He called on various stakeholders at the community and district levels to provide enabling environment for the vaccinators to carry out their duties as health professionals.
Snylder added that UNICEF remains supportive to the Ministry of Health through the county health team.
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