http://allafrica.com/stories/200306060498.html

Measles, Vitamin a Campaign Launched

Addis Tribune (Addis Ababa)

June 6, 2003
Posted to the web June 6, 2003

The Ministry of Health (MOH), UNICEF and WHO were scheduled to launch today a joint measles and Vitamin A campaign targeting nearly 5.2 million children between 6 months and 15 years, according to Unicef. The immunizations will be carried out by trained staff in South and North Wollo, Waghimra, Arsi, Sidama, Wolaita and Fiq zones.

The 7-day campaign is part of a larger battle to reduce child mortality in Ethiopia and protect children against preventable diseases. So far the vitamin A campaigns have reached 2.2 million children in December 2002 and 1.9 million children in April 2003. By the end of 2003 a total of 19 million children will be immunized against measles.

"This campaign is part of our joint efforts to fight the major childhood killer diseases in Ethiopia. Only through well-coordinated campaigns like this are we able to combat measles and vitamin A deficiency, which not only causes high childhood mortality, but also blindness, deafness and even brain damage among thousands of children," said Dr. Mahendra Sheth, head of UNICEF Ethiopia's Health & Nutrition Section.

Measles is one of the five major causes of child mortality in Ethiopia. Malnourished children are especially susceptible to the disease. WHO estimates that there are 1.45 million measles cases annually in Ethiopia and app. 72,000 child deaths due to the disease.

"Ethiopia has one of the lowest child immunization rates in the region. To improve coverage and reduce child mortality it is essential that we strengthen routine immunization in every village throughout the country. We put an emphasis on drought-affected areas during this campaign, but our longer-term objective must be to reach every child in every part of the country," said Dr. Angela Benson, WHO representative a.i.

The total cost of the campaign the seven zones, which will run 5-11 June, is $ 1.9 million US, bringing the cost of each immunization to less than 40 cents US. WHO, UNICEF, CIDA and USAID fund the campaign with the generous support of the Governments of Japan, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden. Partners such as Save the Children UK and US and other NGOs ensure that all targeted children are reached.

Ethiopia has been conducting measles supplementary immunization campaigns since 1998 in selected areas of the country. The Ministry of Health (MoH), UNICEF, WHO and partners are striving at reaching the goal of 80-pct. routine immunization coverage in every zone by 2006. This is feasible only through continued commitment by health workers, implementing partners and international donors.