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24/08/2004
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.
The Global Polio Eradication Initiative, spearheaded by the WHO, Unicef, Rotary International and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, confirmed new infections in Guinea and Mali as well as three new cases in the Darfur region of the Sudan.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) said that the threat of a major epidemic across West and Central Africa highlighted the urgent need to fill a $100-million funding gap for immunisation programmes.
The confirmation comes just two weeks after resumption of immunisation in the northern Nigerian state of Kano, the last to do so, where concern among public figures over the vaccine’s safety, including rumours that it was contaminated by the HIV virus or could sterilize young girls, had prompted the suspension.
This halt led to the spread of the disease, which once paralysed hundreds of thousands of children worldwide, to other previously virus-free countries and warnings that sub-Saharan Africa was on the verge of the largest polio epidemic in recent history.
The new cases were reported as preparations intensified for a series of synchronised mass polio immunization campaigns in 22 countries, drawn up by African Union health ministers for October and November in an effort to reach more than 74 million children under the age of five years.
The Global Polio Eradication Initiative warned, however, that these preparations and additional, synchronised rounds in 2005, were being seriously compromised by an ongoing funding shortfall of $100 million.
The Initiative hopes to relegate the disease to the history books by 2005. The poliovirus is now endemic in only six countries Nigeria, India, Pakistan, Niger, Afghanistan and Egypt – down from over 125 when the Initiative was launched in 1988.
(gmcg)
The Global Polio Eradication Initiative, spearheaded by the WHO, Unicef, Rotary International and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, confirmed new infections in Guinea and Mali as well as three new cases in the Darfur region of the Sudan.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) said that the threat of a major epidemic across West and Central Africa highlighted the urgent need to fill a $100-million funding gap for immunisation programmes.
The confirmation comes just two weeks after resumption of immunisation in the northern Nigerian state of Kano, the last to do so, where concern among public figures over the vaccine’s safety, including rumours that it was contaminated by the HIV virus or could sterilize young girls, had prompted the suspension.
This halt led to the spread of the disease, which once paralysed hundreds of thousands of children worldwide, to other previously virus-free countries and warnings that sub-Saharan Africa was on the verge of the largest polio epidemic in recent history.
The new cases were reported as preparations intensified for a series of synchronised mass polio immunization campaigns in 22 countries, drawn up by African Union health ministers for October and November in an effort to reach more than 74 million children under the age of five years.
The Global Polio Eradication Initiative warned, however, that these preparations and additional, synchronised rounds in 2005, were being seriously compromised by an ongoing funding shortfall of $100 million.
The Initiative hopes to relegate the disease to the history books by 2005. The poliovirus is now endemic in only six countries Nigeria, India, Pakistan, Niger, Afghanistan and Egypt – down from over 125 when the Initiative was launched in 1988.
(gmcg)
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22 October 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
