Immunization Begins for Millions of Children in Darfur, Sudan

The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF said today that an ambitious plan to vaccinate millions of children against measles in Sudan’s troubled Darfur region began over the weekend.

The aid agencies say that they hope to reach 2.26 million children throughout June, working in a region plagued by violence, population displacement, and the approach of seasonal rains that close large parts of western Sudan each year to vehicles.

“We have the potential to save up to 50 000 lives by preventing a measles outbreak here,” said Carol Bellamy, Executive Director for UNICEF. “Almost a quarter of the children are already showing signs of malnourishment, making the threat of the measles virus even greater.”

The month-long campaign is being led by the Sudanese Ministry of Health, WHO and UNICEF, in coordination with several national and international organizations.

To read the full press release, visit the WHO Web site.