South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"

Minister of Health, Yolanda Awel Deng.
By Awan Achiek
The Minister of Health Yolanda Awel Deng on Tuesday called for revamping the vaccination system to address immunization gaps that leave many children vulnerable to vaccine-related diseases.
“We must increase vaccination coverage to safeguard children against vaccine-preventable diseases,” Awel said in a statement issued by the U.N. Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Juba.
The government and UNICEF commemorated 50 years of immunization week in Juba.
Awel said the significance of vaccination campaigns cannot be overstated in the country.
“Unfortunately, routine vaccination coverage against these diseases remains low in South Sudan, leaving many children vulnerable to childhood illnesses. Therefore, the significance of vaccination campaigns cannot be overstated,” she said.
Awel noted that over the past five years, vaccination rates among infants have significantly improved.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF’s estimates of national immunization coverage (WUENIC), the percentage of children under one -year -old who received the third dose of the DPT vaccine – which protects against diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and tetanus – increased from 59% in 2018 to 73% in 2022.
Hamida Lasseko, UNICEF Representative in South Sudan said immunization is not just a medical achievement, but a testament and commitment to safeguarding lives and ensuring a healthier future for all.
“As we mark 50 years of the Expanded Programme on Immunization, let us renew our dedication to reaching every child, every family, and every community with the life-saving protection of vaccines. Together, we prove that immunisation for all is not just a goal; it’s our collective duty, and it’s humanly possible,” Lasseko said.
Dr. Humphrey Karamagi, the WHO Representative for South Sudan, said the government should obtain the necessary guidance and technical support to implement high quality immunization programmes.
“Vaccines save lives. WHO works with countries across the globe to raise awareness of the value of vaccines and immunization,” Karamagi said.