|
Govt rolls out 200m/- for measles vaccination in Dar
2006-09-25 08:56:45
By Hannah Mwandoloma
The government has allocated more than 200m/- in a three-day measles vaccination exercise in Dar es Salaam, with substantial financial support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
Speaking to The Guardian yesterday, Dar es Salaam Chief Medical Officer Dr Deogratius Mtasiwa said the vaccination exercise had so far progressed well.
”Although we’ll compile the final report at the end of this operation, I can assure you that many people had responded positively to the exercise. This is a good sign that we’ll ultimately overcome the disease,” Dr Mtasiwa said.
As Dr Mtasiwa gave the assurance, the measles casualty figure had topped 800, with more hospitals reporting an increase in admissions. The toll of adult patients did not, however, show signs of declining.
Commenting on the focus on children for vaccination, the medical chief said the Ministry of Health had prioritised the most vulnerable group.
”Children, especially those in school, run the risk of being infected as the disease is highly contagious. It is therefore necessary that children be vaccinated first,” Mtasiwa said.
As for adults, the doctor said the body can repulse infection.
Responding to concerns over power rationing slowing down the process, Dr Mtasiwa said the ministry was prepared for the exercise and had enough ice-cubes to see the exercise to the end.
”They were just worried because they were not sure if it would be possible to store the facilities without electricity but we did our best and nothing has gone wrong so far,” he added.
He said although some complaints had been registered over power rationing, it had not adversely affected the vaccination exercise.
According to Dr Mtasiwa, the government was monitoring other regions to ensure the disease does not spread.
|
