Ethiopia Launches Nationwide Polio Vaccination Campaign
Table of Contents
- 1. Ethiopia Launches Nationwide Polio Vaccination Campaign
- 2. Preventing Polio Outbreaks
- 3. Understanding Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus
- 4. The Threat of Polio
- 5. What strategies has the Ethiopian government implemented to address potential hesitancy or misinformation surrounding the polio vaccine campaign?
- 6. Exclusive: Insights into Ethiopia’s Nationwide Polio vaccination Campaign
- 7. “Protecting Our Children,Safeguarding Our Future”
- 8. Dr. Eleni Abraham, Director of Immunization Programs, EPHI
- 9. Questions & Answers
ADDIS ABABA – The Ethiopian government kicked off a nationwide polio vaccination campaign on Wednesday, aiming to protect over 13.8 million children under the age of five.
The campaign, set to run through Sunday, will cover nine regions across Ethiopia. According to the Ethiopia Public Health Institute (EPHI), approximately 85,000 healthcare professionals are prepared to administer the vaccines.
“Parents are urged to vaccinate their children, regardless of whether they have received previous polio vaccinations,” EPHI officials stated.
Preventing Polio Outbreaks
Ethiopia has made notable strides in eradicating polio. As the last case of wild poliovirus was detected in January 2014, the country has experienced sporadic outbreaks of circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses.
Recognizing this, the Ethiopian government partnered with the World Health Institution (WHO) in November 2022 to administer a vaccination campaign targeting over 5.6 million children with the type 2 novel oral polio vaccine.
“The campaign aimed to prevent transmission and circulation of variant poliovirus outbreaks,” the WHO explained.
Understanding Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus
The WHO emphasized the importance of understanding vaccine-derived poliovirus. “The weakened virus from the oral polio vaccine can mutate back into the active virus, potentially causing paralysis,” the organization stated.
The Threat of Polio
Polio is a highly infectious viral disease that primarily affects children under five. It spreads person-to-person, mainly through the fecal-oral route. The virus replicates in the intestine and can invade the nervous system, leading to paralysis.
By intensifying vaccination efforts, Ethiopia aims to protect its vulnerable population and safeguard public health from this debilitating disease.
For parents seeking more details about the polio vaccination campaign or any concerns, please contact yoru local health clinic.
What strategies has the Ethiopian government implemented to address potential hesitancy or misinformation surrounding the polio vaccine campaign?
Exclusive: Insights into Ethiopia’s Nationwide Polio vaccination Campaign
“Protecting Our Children,Safeguarding Our Future”
Archyde had the priviledge of discussing the monumental task and significance of Ethiopia’s nationwide polio vaccination campaign with Dr. Eleni Abraham, the esteemed Director of Immunization Programs at the Ethiopia Public Health Institute (EPHI).
Dr. Eleni Abraham, Director of Immunization Programs, EPHI
Questions & Answers
Archyde: Can you provide some context on Ethiopia’s past struggles with polio and how that lead to this nationwide vaccination campaign?
dr. Eleni Abraham: Absolutely. Ethiopia has made remarkable progress in eradicating polio, but we’ve seen sporadic outbreaks of circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses in recent years. Our last case of wild poliovirus was in 2014,but these outbreaks pose a constant threat. This campaign is a crucial step in strengthening our immunity and protecting our children.
Archyde: Over 13.8 million children are expected to be vaccinated. How do you plan to reach such a vast number in just five days?
dr. Eleni Abraham: We’ve mobilized our forces – approximately 85,000 healthcare professionals are on the ground, working tirelessly to ensure no child is left behind. We’ve also launched an extensive outreach program to create awareness and urge parents to vaccinate their children,nonetheless of previous vaccinations.
Archyde: Why is it crucial for parents to vaccinate their children even if they’ve been vaccinated before?
Dr. Eleni abraham: While previous vaccinations provide a good level of protection,the weakened virus in the oral polio vaccine can mutate and circulate within under-immunized communities,posing a risk of polio outbreaks. Vaccinating every child,even recurrently,helps maintain strong immunity and prevents this risk.
Archyde: As we wrap up, what would you like to say to the parents and guardians of Ethiopia, regarding this campaign?
Dr. Eleni Abraham: I urge every parent to cooperate with our healthcare workers and vaccinate their children. Polio is a debilitating disease that can lead to irreversible paralysis. By vaccinating your children,you’re not just protecting them but also safeguarding our country’s future.
Archyde: Lastly, a thought-provoking question – how can communities play a more active role in maintaining and boosting immunity in children against vaccine-preventable diseases like polio?
dr. Eleni Abraham: Engagement and education are key.Communities can actively participate by creating awareness,encouraging vaccination,and holding their local health clinics accountable. We’re all in this together, and every voice matters in ensuring the health and well-being of our children.
