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22/10/2003
West African children to be treated after polio outbreak
Hundreds of thousands of health workers began an immunisation campaign today aimed at reaching every child in five West African countries within three days to stop a growing threat of polio, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said.
Health workers, volunteers and professionals spread throughout Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Niger and Togo have been tasked following a new polio outbreak spreading from Nigeria to neighbouring countries – putting 15 million children at risk.
The $10 million campaign, sponsored by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, was launched after nearly a dozen children in Burkina Faso, Ghana, Niger and Togo were paralyzed from poliovirus genetically traced to northern Nigeria. A further case recently reported in Chad means similar campaigns are planned in that country and Cameroon for mid-November.
"Nigeria is now the country with the greatest number of polio cases in the world," said David Heymann, Representative of the WHO Director-General for Polio Eradication.
"Polio continues to spread within Nigeria to areas which were polio-free and also to neighbouring countries. Polio and other infectious diseases know no national boundaries. We face a grave public health threat, and our goal of a polio-free world is in jeopardy."
Bruce Aylward, WHO’s Global Coordinator for the eradication initiative, said that the situation in Nigeria had become the "last major challenge" on the road to global polio eradication.
"Because of the tremendous progress made in 2002, the polio eradication tactics and resources were shifted in 2003 to focus on just those few remaining countries which remained endemic. But the situation in Nigeria is now forcing us to go back to countries which had already eliminated polio. We simply cannot afford to see these isolated viruses again paralyzing children in areas which had previously been polio-free. That is why this massive campaign is critical," he said.
Epidemiologists attribute the marked increase in cases in Nigeria, around the state of Kano, to insufficient coverage during both polio immunisation campaigns and routine services.
(gmcg)
Health workers, volunteers and professionals spread throughout Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Niger and Togo have been tasked following a new polio outbreak spreading from Nigeria to neighbouring countries – putting 15 million children at risk.
The $10 million campaign, sponsored by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, was launched after nearly a dozen children in Burkina Faso, Ghana, Niger and Togo were paralyzed from poliovirus genetically traced to northern Nigeria. A further case recently reported in Chad means similar campaigns are planned in that country and Cameroon for mid-November.
"Nigeria is now the country with the greatest number of polio cases in the world," said David Heymann, Representative of the WHO Director-General for Polio Eradication.
"Polio continues to spread within Nigeria to areas which were polio-free and also to neighbouring countries. Polio and other infectious diseases know no national boundaries. We face a grave public health threat, and our goal of a polio-free world is in jeopardy."
Bruce Aylward, WHO’s Global Coordinator for the eradication initiative, said that the situation in Nigeria had become the "last major challenge" on the road to global polio eradication.
"Because of the tremendous progress made in 2002, the polio eradication tactics and resources were shifted in 2003 to focus on just those few remaining countries which remained endemic. But the situation in Nigeria is now forcing us to go back to countries which had already eliminated polio. We simply cannot afford to see these isolated viruses again paralyzing children in areas which had previously been polio-free. That is why this massive campaign is critical," he said.
Epidemiologists attribute the marked increase in cases in Nigeria, around the state of Kano, to insufficient coverage during both polio immunisation campaigns and routine services.
(gmcg)
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24 August 2004
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Polio outbreak spreads after Nigeria suspends immunisation
The polio outbreak that originated in northern Nigeria after suspension there of immunisation last year has now spread to 12 other countries, according to the UN's health agency.
23 June 2004
74m Africans must be immunised to halt polio threat, say experts
A massive immunization campaign targeting 74 million children in 22 African countries should be started up following confirmation that a recent polio outbreak has spread to the Darfur region of the Sudan.
74m Africans must be immunised to halt polio threat, say experts
A massive immunization campaign targeting 74 million children in 22 African countries should be started up following confirmation that a recent polio outbreak has spread to the Darfur region of the Sudan.
20 February 2004
Anti-polio vaccination programme to target Africa's 63m children
African countries have today begun a massive, synchronized polio immunization campaign which aims to vaccinate 63 million children over the next few days. The programme kicked off one month after an emergency WHO meeting of Health Ministers committed to end polio transmission in 2004.
Anti-polio vaccination programme to target Africa's 63m children
African countries have today begun a massive, synchronized polio immunization campaign which aims to vaccinate 63 million children over the next few days. The programme kicked off one month after an emergency WHO meeting of Health Ministers committed to end polio transmission in 2004.
06 July 2005
Government announces funding for polio eradication
International Development Secretary Hilary Benn has announced a multi-million pound funding package aimed at wiping out polio by early next year.
Government announces funding for polio eradication
International Development Secretary Hilary Benn has announced a multi-million pound funding package aimed at wiping out polio by early next year.
09 August 2004
New 5-in-1 infant vaccination jab unveiled
The government has announced plans for a new five-in-one combined vaccination for babies and children. The new single jab will protect children against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), and polio. The new vaccine replaces the separate vaccines already administered to babies.
New 5-in-1 infant vaccination jab unveiled
The government has announced plans for a new five-in-one combined vaccination for babies and children. The new single jab will protect children against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), and polio. The new vaccine replaces the separate vaccines already administered to babies.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
