Health authorities in Lakes State, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners, launched a vaccination campaign Saturday targeting 2,651 children under 5 against pneumococcal disease, sepsis and meningitis.
The campaign follows the arrival of new vaccines, including pneumococcal conjugate, which also protects against pneumonia. Last year, Lakes State recorded 5,180 cases of pneumonia among children under 5, resulting in 83 deaths—a 21% fatality rate.
Dr. Santino Deng, the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) manager in Lakes State, called the campaign a milestone in child health.
“Today marks a special day in the prevention and management of childhood diseases,” Deng said. “These vaccines will protect children from deadly illnesses like pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis.”
The campaign, which runs through June 5, will cover all eight counties in Lakes State. A team of 390 health workers has been deployed to ensure broad coverage.
Maker Malok, Lakes State’s director general of health, emphasized the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness.
“Pneumonia is a leading cause of child mortality in South Sudan,” Malok said. “This vaccine will reduce complications and hospitalizations, saving lives.”
Last year, 79% of diagnosed pneumonia cases in the state were in children under 5. Malok urged parents to bring their children to nearby health facilities for vaccination.
Jiel Jiel, a WHO surveillance officer in Rumbek, praised the collaborative effort.
“WHO remains committed to supporting South Sudan’s health ministry in expanding vaccination coverage,” Jiel said. “Together, we can protect children from preventable diseases.”
The campaign is part of a nationwide immunization effort supported by WHO and UNICEF.