Gash-Barka region: Extensive anti-polio vaccination campaign to be conducted this month

Reports indicated that an extensive immunization campaign has been scheduled to be conducted against polio in Gash-Barka region from 20 to 27 of this month.

Barentu, 07 November 2013 – Reports indicated that an extensive immunization campaign has been scheduled to be conducted against polio in Gash-Barka region from 20 to 27 of this month. Such a statement was made at a recent seminar in Barentu city, which was conducted focusing on ways and means of its implementation in the presence of sub-zonal Administrators and heads of health institutions.

Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Berhane Abraha from the Health Ministry’s regional branch office, stated that the disease has been at the stage of eradication following the exerting of enhanced and integrated efforts. At the same time, he explained the need for sustaining the initiative in connection with the fact that neighboring countries have not attained such accomplishment.

Accordingly, the region is susceptible to cross-border disease spread potentials as it neighbors with two countries.

Moreover, Dr. Leul Banteyirga, head of the Health Ministry’s branch in the region, said that increased focus would be given to remote areas during the forthcoming campaign, and called on sub-zonal and Area administrations to extend a helping hand for the realization of the cherished goal.

The regional Administrator, Mr. Mohammed Hamd, asserted the Administration’s readiness to collaborate in the Health Ministry’s endeavors on priority basis.