Morobo launches polio vaccination campaign targeting children under five

Authorities in Morobo County, Central Equatoria State, have launched a four-day polio vaccination campaign targeting children aged 0-59 months to protect them against the highly infectious disease.

Polio is a viral disease that mainly affects children under five years of age and can cause permanent paralysis.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the poliovirus spreads from person to person, mainly through the faecal-oral route.

The virus multiplies in the intestine and can invade the nervous system, causing paralysis.

A statement from the office of the County Commissioner, Moro Isaac Johnson, said the National Ministry of Health launched the vaccination campaign at the county headquarters on Thursday.

The statement said the campaign is part of a nationwide government program supported by WHO and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). It targets children aged 0-59 months as part of efforts to eradicate the poliovirus and protect children across the country.

During the launch, Commissioner Johnson urged parents to ensure that all children within the eligible age group receive the vaccine to protect them against polio.

County authorities said the vaccination exercise is expected to last four days and will cover all five payams of Morobo County.