South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Jenifer James
The National Ministry of Health has introduced two life-saving vaccines into the national immunization program: the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) and the Rotavirus Vaccine. These vaccines are designed to protect children from pneumonia and rotavirus-related diarrhea, which are major contributors to childhood mortality in the country.
As part of its efforts, the government has introduced the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) and the rotavirus vaccine to curb preventable diseases among children under two years old.
Speaking during the launch on Tuesday, Dr. Justin Tongun, Executive Director of Al-Sabah Children’s Hospital, underscored the transformative potential of these new vaccines. “With the introduction of PCV and the rotavirus vaccine, we anticipate a 50% reduction in cases of pneumonia, meningitis, and severe diarrhea.”
“The rotavirus vaccine alone could lower diarrhea cases by up to 90%,” he stated. “We need everyone to ensure 100% uptake to maximize the benefits of these life-saving vaccines.”
Recent hospital records at Al-Sabah highlight the disease burden, documenting 519 outpatient and 69 inpatient cases of acute watery diarrhea, along with 53 inpatient and 10 outpatient cases of pneumonia.
Dr. Tongun noted that pneumonia accounts for an estimated 10% mortality rate among affected children—a grim statistic that the new vaccines aim to reverse.
Despite the potential impact of the vaccination drive, low vaccine uptake remains a challenge that threatens the campaign’s success.
Health officials cite limited awareness, vaccine hesitancy, and logistical constraints as key barriers to widespread immunization. Many communities, particularly in rural areas, face difficulties accessing healthcare facilities due to poor infrastructure, long distances, and transportation challenges.
Misinformation about vaccines also contributes to reluctance. Some parents fear potential side effects or question the effectiveness of immunization due to deep-rooted myths and cultural beliefs.
Dr. Atem Nathan Anyoun, Director General for Primary Health Care, stressed the need for community engagement and public awareness initiatives to dispel misconceptions and encourage trust in the healthcare system.
“Educating caregivers and working closely with community leaders is essential to ensure children receive these vital vaccines,” he explained.
For South Sudanese mothers like Hadia, Imjuma, and Joyce, the campaign brings newfound hope. “My child has been very sick, and I am always visiting the hospital due to acute watery diarrhea and pneumonia,” shared Imjuma, a mother of seven.
However, she admitted that many mothers in her neighborhood remain hesitant despite the growing availability of vaccines.
Dr. Kidiende Chong, Director General for Preventive Health Services and Emergencies, highlighted the urgent need for greater investment and co-financing in healthcare, recognizing the essential role played by both the public and private sectors.
“The private sector is already making significant contributions, and our partnerships are critical,” he emphasized.
With these vaccines now integrated into South Sudan’s routine immunization schedule for children under two, the country is taking a decisive step toward breaking the cycle of preventable illness and child mortality. However, health officials recognize that addressing vaccine hesitancy and improving accessibility will be crucial to ensuring long-term success in protecting the nation’s children.
The launch event took place at Al-Sabah Children’s Hospital in Juba and centered around the theme “Accelerating the Fight Against Pneumonia and Diarrhea through PCV and Rotavirus Vaccines for Children Under Two Years in South Sudan.”
The National Ministry of Health spearheads the initiative in partnership with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The pneumococcal vaccine helps protect against certain bacterial infections that can cause serious illnesses, such as meningitis (an infection of the brain and spinal cord), sepsis (a life-threatening reaction to an infection), and pneumonia (an infection of the lungs).
Pneumococcal vaccines can be administered to babies at ages 2, 4, and 12 months. The vaccination program against pneumococcal disease and rotavirus will be launched across the country.
