Banjul, 6 November 2013 -- The Gambia successfully concluded a second round of 2013 synchronized national immunization days against polio. An esti-mated 412613 children, aged 0 – 59 months, were targeted during the four- day exercise - Friday 25 to Monday 28 October 2013. Overall, 99.5% of the target population was immunized with marked im-provement registered in all the seven health regions.

The lowest coverage recorded was 95%. The exer-cise also included vitamin A supplementation and de-worming (with mebendazole) for the age brack-ets 6 – 59 months and 12 – 59 months respectively. National coverage for vitamin A supplementation and de-worming stood at 103% and 138.6% respec-tively.

In line with its mandate, the WHO Country Office (WCO) in collaboration with WHO/AFRO/ IST-WA provided the technical leadership and guidance need-ed for the planning and implementation of the vari-ous stages of the campaign, particularly in the areas of micro-planning and monitoring. IST-WA, during the period 21st October to 2nd November 2013, fielded in a consultant to support this process.

Notwithstanding, the WCO has also worked closely with UNICEF and the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in supporting na-tional efforts for the planning and implementa-tion of social mobilization activities before and during the exercise.

Gambia Successfully concludes polio NIDs: 99% of target vaccinated

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For more details please contact:

Mr. Momodou Gassama, Health Promotion Officer-9331961 Ext. 30805, Office: 00220 4462283/84/86

Mr. George Williams-Health Information Assistant-9900248 Ext.30808

The WHO Gambia Office, New Kotu Layout P.M.B 170, Banjul, The GAMBIA