South Sudan launches vaccines to prevent pneumonia, diarrhea in children
JUBA, May 27 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan, in partnership with United Nations agencies, on Tuesday launched two vaccines to prevent pneumonia and severe diarrhea in children under five.
Anin Ngot Ngot Mou, undersecretary in the Ministry of Health, described the rollout as a game changer in the fight against two of the country's leading causes of child mortality.
"Today, we are taking a bold step forward in protecting the health and future of our children in South Sudan. Pneumococcal disease is the leading cause of pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis, especially among children under five years old," Ngot said during the launch in Juba, the capital of South Sudan.
The new vaccines -- pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) and rotavirus vaccine -- will be integrated into the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), launched by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1974. Health workers are being trained, and public awareness campaigns are underway to promote community acceptance and ensure wide coverage, Ngot added.
Obia Achieng, deputy representative of the UN Children's Fund in South Sudan, said the vaccination campaign will extend across all 10 states and three administrative areas, with a focus on reaching vulnerable children in remote and conflict-affected regions.
He highlighted that the campaign marks a milestone for South Sudan, coinciding with the formal introduction of both PCV and rotavirus vaccines into the national immunization system.
Despite this progress, he noted that about 40 percent of children in South Sudan live more than 5 km from the nearest health facility, with many displaced due to ongoing insecurity.
Mutale Senkwe, WHO deputy representative in South Sudan, said the campaign reinforces the country's commitment to protecting children from preventable diseases.
Senkwe said since the launch of the EPI, vaccines have saved over 50 million children in Africa, and in 2024, a child in Africa is 50 percent more likely to survive to their next birthday than in a world without vaccines.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Rakyat Post
a day ago
- Rakyat Post
Malaysia Records First COVID-19 Death In 2025
Subscribe to our FREE Malaysia has recorded its first COVID-19-related death of 2025, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Health (MoH) on 19 June. The fatality occurred during Epidemiological Week 24 (8–15 June). The individual, who had serious pre-existing health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, had not received the second booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. MoH noted that this was the first COVID-19 death since 26 May 2024, and a significant drop compared to the 57 COVID-related deaths reported in 2024. COVID-19 Cases on the Rise, But Situation Under Control As of Week 24, Malaysia has reported 21,738 cumulative COVID-19 cases in 2025, with the weekly average hovering around 900 cases. However, MoH did flag a 68% week-on-week spike, with 3,379 cases reported in Week 24 compared to 2,011 the previous week. Despite the increase, the ministry assured that the national COVID-19 situation remains stable and below the national alert threshold. In terms of severe cases, six patients were admitted to the ICU, all with underlying health issues. All have since been discharged from intensive care; four have returned home, while two remain in regular hospital wards for follow-up treatment. New Variant on the Radar: NB.1.8.1 or 'Nimbus' The World Health Organisation (WHO) is closely monitoring the spread of NB.1.8.1, a Photo: Freepik WHO has classified Nimbus as a Variant Under Monitoring (VUM) due to its rapid transmission and potential health risks. Nimbus spreads faster than previous variants. Common symptoms include: razor-blade-like sore throat, fatigue, mild cough, fever, muscle aches and nasal congestion. What You Can Do Health experts continue to urge the public to take precautions, especially as new variants emerge. Wear a high-quality mask in crowded indoor spaces, improve indoor ventilation: open windows, use fans or air purifiers, get tested if you're feeling unwell or exposed to COVID-19, and stay home when sick to reduce the risk of transmission. Photo: Malay Mail While Malaysia's current COVID-19 situation remains under control, this latest death and the emergence of new variants serve as reminders that vigilance and public health measures remain crucial. Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
The Star
a day ago
- The Star
Russians on average spend 5.5 hours daily on smartphone: research
ST. PETERSBURG, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Each Russian spends an average of 5.5 hours daily on their smartphone, while young people spend almost 7 hours daily, said Alexey Goreslavsky, head of Russia's Institute for Internet Development, at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum on Thursday. "On average, a Russian spends 5.5 hours daily on a smartphone. Everyone is online every day. Young people spend almost 7 hours online daily," Goreslavsky said. "Of course, it's not just for communication... And certainly, it's not only educational or useful content. No matter how much we support quality content, trendy phenomena and so-called 'brainrot' still emerge." He noted that consuming such content seems harmless on the surface, but as a cultural phenomenon, it "strongly captivates minds." "Young people engage well with long-form content, they perceive adaptations of classics and just classics very well. In short form, and in long form, and in various other forms," Goreslavsky added. "We are in a reality that even a well-made cartoon won't influence public consciousness unless it goes viral," the head of the institute said, noting that mass communication should be positive and carry truly correct values.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- New Straits Times
WHO reiterates calls for unimpeded entry of aid, fuel into Gaza
LONDON: The World Health Organisation's (WHO) director-general has expressed concern over deteriorating situation of healthcare facilities in the Gaza Strip, calling for unimpeded entry of aid and fuel into the besieged enclave, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported. "Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis, #Gaza, is struggling to stay operational amid relentless strain and lack of supplies," Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a post on X. He said the hospital received over 300 injured people on Tuesday, reportedly linked to two incidents near non-UN militarised food distribution sites where 75 people died, including 11 children. About 590 patients are currently hospitalised, Tedros said that it is almost double Nasser's capacity. "The hospital is unable to increase its capacity due to lack of ventilators, monitors, beds and staff," he said. The WHO chief underlined that Nasser is located within the evacuation zone, but he added many health workers cannot reach the hospital due to fear for safety or lack of fuel for transportation. Tedros said WHO delivered a minimum amount of fuel on Wednesday which is enough to sustain just five more days of operation but warned that without additional fuel, services will begin shutting down. "WHO once again calls for the protection of the hospital; for unimpeded entry of health aid and fuel into and across Gaza via all possible routes. "Time is ticking to save lives. Ceasefire!" the WHO director-general added. – Bernama-Anadolu
