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Juba – Al Wadi Newspaper
A high-level delegation from the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) has concluded its visit to the Republic of South Sudan, reaffirming the commitment of international partners to continue supporting the country’s efforts to interrupt poliovirus transmission and strengthen routine immunization programs.
The visit concluded with a comprehensive briefing attended by the leadership of the Ministry of Health and key health sector partners. During the meeting, participants reviewed the ongoing response to the outbreak of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2), which has largely been attributed to low routine immunization coverage in several parts of the country.
The delegation emphasized that controlling the current outbreak requires ensuring the availability of essential vaccines, including the bivalent oral polio vaccine (bOPV), the tetanus-diphtheria (Td) vaccine, and the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine against tuberculosis. It also stressed the need to improve coordination among stakeholders, strengthen accountability mechanisms, and enhance the efficiency of vaccine supply chains.
The delegation further recommended intensifying preparations for upcoming vaccination campaigns and expanding community engagement by providing the necessary support to health educators and community mobilizers. These efforts are expected to increase vaccine uptake and help reach children who remain unvaccinated.
At the conclusion of its mission, the delegation reaffirmed its commitment to continuing cooperation with the Government of South Sudan and its partners in support of efforts to eradicate polio and strengthen the country’s routine immunization system, ensuring that all children are protected against vaccine-preventable diseases.
