By Bullen Bala
In light of World Pneumonia Day, the Impact Health Organization (IHO) has urged South Sudan’s policymakers and stakeholders to acknowledge the vital significance of implementing the rotavirus and pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV) in the country.
Dr. Jolem Mwanje, the IHO Country Director, stated that pneumonia continues to be the leading cause of death for children under five in South Sudan. He noted that vaccination is one of the most cost-effective public health initiatives.
“Immunization is one of the most cost-effective public health interventions. By investing in these vaccines, we can save lives, reduce healthcare costs, and build a healthier, more productive future for South Sudan,” Dr. Mwanje said.
He added that these life-saving vaccines could enhance public health and promote economic growth by drastically lowering the burden of pneumonia and other vaccine-preventable diseases.
“The introduction of PCV and rotavirus vaccines is a critical step towards reducing child mortality and improving public health in South Sudan. We are committed to making these vaccines accessible to all children across the nation.”
In their initial press release, the group claimed that by providing protection against pneumococcal infections, PCV might avert thousands of infant fatalities each year.
Rotavirus is a major contributor to severe diarrhea in young children, which can result in dehydration and even death. The rotavirus vaccine can significantly decrease severe diarrhea, hospitalizations, and deaths.
Commitment of South Sudan
South Sudan has demonstrated its commitment to improving public health through its recent application to Gavi for the introduction of PCV and rotavirus vaccines.
This move aligns with the nation’s pledge to the Addis Ababa Declaration on Immunization, where South Sudan is committed to achieving and sustaining high immunization coverage, securing sustainable financing, strengthening immunization systems, empowering local communities, and collecting better data.
The group expressed gratitude to the government of South Sudan for its continuous efforts to enhance public health and for taking the required actions to implement these essential vaccinations.
Dr. Mwanje, the organization’s Country Director, pleaded with the government and its allies to give PCV and rotavirus vaccines priority regarding funding.