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April 8, 2002

U.S. IMMUNIZATION NEWS

INTERNATIONAL IMMUNIZATION NEWS

"UN Condemns Detention of Health Workers"

Africa News Service (www.allafrica.com) (04/08/02)

Fourteen health workers conducting polio vaccination initiatives in southern Sudan were arrested and detained by members of the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) last month.  The health workers were released eight days later; all of their medical equipment and personal effects were looted, and three of the workers were assaulted.  The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), UNICEF, and the World Health Organization (WHO) have condemned the action and urged all parties concerned to ensure the safety of health workers as they implement the next round of National Immunization Days later this month.  The UN groups asked the parties to allow the health workers unhindered access and to observe "Days of Tranquility" between April 13 and April 26.

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