Today marks another significant milestone in the fight against vaccine preventable diseases in South Sudan as the country launches the pentavalent vaccine.  The launch ceremony took place at the El Sabah Children Hospital. High-level government officials including the Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Hon. Dr. Martin Elia Lomuro, the state Minister of Health Hon. Dr. Emmanuel Baya and the Deputy Governor for Central Equatoria State, Hon. Hakim Deng Dugue and international dignitaries, including GAVI and UN agencies Representatives attended the launch.

The guest of Honour, Hon. Dr. Martin Lomuro, in his remarks lauded the efforts of the Ministry of Health on the occasion of the introduction of the pentavalent vaccine and outlined some of the achievements of the government of South Sudan through the Ministry of Health, inspite of the challenges that the government is faced with. He promised to engage with various stakeholders to achieve the goal efficiently and to effectively roll out of the pentavalent vaccine in the Republic of South Sudan. Dr Martin on behalf of the Government of South Sudan, extended gratitude to the GAVI Alliance, Multilateral donors and all health partners for their kind support in the delivery of health services to the people.

Representing GAVI, Dr Maryse Dugue in her brief remarks implored the efforts of the Ministry of South Sudan and promise GAVI support to the people of South Sudan.

“GAVI will stay by your side but the future of this country is in your hands. The Global Alliance for Vaccine and Immunization (GAVI) is the most single donor for the introduction of the pentavalent vaccine.  The GAVI Alliance is providing about US$ 8.8 million for the introduction and an initial amount of 1.2 million has been made available through WHO and UNICEF. ’’

Speaking on behalf of WHO, Dr. Abdi Aden Mohamed commended the progress that has being made by Government in the area of health.

“Although the nation is young, it is making notable strides in providing health care for its people. The introduction of the pentavalent – or five-in-one vaccine for infants – for which we are here today, is just one example of the many positive steps being taken by the Government, particularly the Ministry of Health”.

In continuation of his remarks, the WHO Representative was quick to point out the low DPT 3 of 45% coverage and mentioned that more needs to be done to improve coverage.

“Despite the improvements noted and successes recorded, there is still need to increase immunization coverage and further reduce infant mortality due to the low coverage of routine immunization in South Sudan”.

He pledged WHO’s commitment to supporting such initiatives that will save the lives of the most vulnerable people. This year, WHO, UNICEF and other health partners have supported the immunization of about 319,613 children against measles and 210,956 against polio. “We will continue to provide the required technical support to ensure the success of this and other programmes”, he said.

Dr Mohamed added that were round I National Immunization Days OPV was conducted in April in seven states and 2,047,168 children were vaccinated against Polio, 1,715,139 against Measles, 1,591,802 Vitamin A and 1,591,802 children were de-wormed. Round II NID (OPV only) was conducted in May in 7 states and 2,256,356 children were vaccinated against Polio, including 26,645 in PIBOR, and micro-plans are ongoing for the remaining 3 states           

Pentavalent is a vaccine that protects children against diseases such as Diphtheria, Pertusis, Tetanus, Septicemia, Hepatitis B and Pneumonia. It replaces the traditional ‘trivalent’ (DPT) vaccine, however the scheduled of 6, 10 and 14 weeks for immunization remains the same.  The roll out of the vaccine has started July and it’s currently ongoing across all health facilities in South Sudan.

1. Dr Abdi making remarks at the launch
2. Dr. Martin Lomuru making remarks at the occasion
3. Partners at the pentavalent launch
4. Partners at the pentavalent launch

Photo credits: WHO/M.Gargar