Sudan is gearing up for its second vaccination campaign against polio, aiming to protect over 2.9 million children under five years old. This initiative is being spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Health, with backing from the World Health Organization and UNICEF.
The campaign, set to run from August 19 to 22, 2024, will involve about 7,500 vaccinators administering the novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2). The targeted regions include the River Nile, Gedarif, Kassala, Northern, Red Sea, Blue Nile, and White Nile states.
Health officials are urging caregivers to seize this critical opportunity to vaccinate children, especially against diseases like polio. Dr. Haitham Mohamed Ibrahim Awadallah, Sudan's Federal Minister of Health, emphasized the importance of immunizing children amid continuous conflict, which exacerbates health vulnerabilities.
The polio vaccination campaign is particularly urgent as national vaccination coverage has dropped significantly due to the war, going from 85 percent to just around 50 percent. This drop is especially alarming in conflict zones, where vaccination rates sit as low as 30 percent, leading to dire public health concerns.
With the risk of poliovirus transmission crossing borders with Egypt, South Sudan, and Yemen, health authorities recognize the broader implications for regional health security. Polio remains one of only two diseases classified as Public Health Emergencies of International Concern by WHO.
Dr. Shible Sahbani, WHO's representative in Sudan, highlighted the efforts being made to maintain surveillance for poliovirus and routine immunizations, even under challenging circumstances. Despite operational challenges posed by conflict, healthcare teams are determined to reach children with lifesaving vaccines.
Alongside polio, multiple disease outbreaks, including cholera, dengue, malaria, and measles, are affecting at least 12 of Sudan's 18 states. UNICEF’s Sudan Representative, Sheldon Yett, noted the urgency of vaccinations to mitigate the risk of malnutrition among sick children, who are particularly vulnerable during this crisis.
Unprecedented heavy rains and flooding have exacerbated conditions, allowing deadly diseases to spread swiftly. The intertwined nature of malnutrition and illness creates a vicious circle, with immunization being pivotal for child health.
Sudan has shown resilience before, successfully mitigating cVDPV2 outbreaks within 18 months. With support from partners, the nation is conducting social mobilization efforts to encourage caregivers to vaccinate their children against polio and other preventable diseases.
Since the cVDPV2 outbreak began last year, test samples have confirmed the presence of the virus across regions, including in wastewater analyses. Effective vaccination campaigns are critical to curbing the spread and protecting future generations.
The last vaccination drive served approximately 3.3 million children and reached remote and newly displaced populations, catering to the evolving needs of Sudan's context. Surveillance efforts for acute flaccid paralysis—a clinical symptom of polio—are also on the rise to detect potential outbreaks early.
Health teams are searching for signs of polio and other diseases, demonstrating commitment even amid limited resources. This comprehensive approach underscores the resolve of healthcare leaders to safeguard Sudan’s children, regardless of the challenges posed by the current conflict.
UNICEF remains committed to advocating for the rights and well-being of children across Sudan. With continued support from global partners, efforts to combat polio and other threatening diseases will persist.
