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April 30, 2003

INTERNATIONAL IMMUNIZATION NEWS

"Zambia Plans to Vaccinate Five Million Children"

Inter Press Service (www.ipsnews.net/index.asp) (04/28/03); Peters, Allan

In an effort to prevent 8,000 infant and child deaths in 2003, UNICEF, the World Health Organization, and the Zambian government will conduct a week-long measles vaccination program targeting 5 million children between the ages of six months and 15 years.  UNICEF is preparing for the exercise by collecting 6,000 cold boxes, 5,000 ice packs, 7 million doses of the measles vaccine, 6 million syringes, safety boxes for needle disposal, and other related supplies.  UNICEF is also committing a staff to support local personnel during the campaign.  Measles is the cause of many childhood deaths in Zambia, and despite efforts to eradicate the disease, outbreaks are constantly occurring in the country.

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