177,000 children in WES targeted in lifesaving pneumonia vaccination drive
The campaign, expected to last a week, from Monday, June 9, covers 10 counties in the state and seeks to to immunize 177,532 children between the ages of 1 and 5 years
By Emmanuel Mandella
In a bold step to confront one of the leading killers of children, Western Equatoria State Ministry of Health, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners, has launched a vaccination campaign targeting over 177,000 children under five with the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV).
The campaign, expected to last a week, from Monday, June 9, covers 10 counties in the state and seeks to to immunize 177,532 children between the ages of 1 and 5 years. The PCV targets pneumonia, a bacterial infection responsible for thousands of preventable deaths among children in South Sudan.
“This campaign is anchored on a mission to save lives,” declared James Abdullah Arona, Western Equatoria State Minister of Health.
“Go to the pediatric ward right now, and you will see the struggles. Since May, we’ve seen a worrying spike in pneumonia and diarrhea cases. Without urgent support from our partners and national authorities to deliver drugs and vaccines, our children will not survive.”
Initially set to include the rotavirus vaccine which combats severe diarrhea, the campaign was scaled down due to limited supply, with health officials confirming that only the pneumococcal vaccine is available for this round.
Speaking at the launch in Yambio, a representative from the World Health Organization (WHO) called on mothers and caregivers to seize the opportunity to vaccinate their children.
“Mothers, this vaccine can stop the diarrhea that claims the lives of our children. The vaccine is here, and the disease is here. But if you take action, your child will live and that’s the power we bring today free of charge.”
In a country where pneumonia claims an estimated 7,640 children under five each year, the campaign is being seen as a critical intervention to curb rising child mortality.
According to Mr. Anisa Charles, Manager of the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) in Western Equatoria State, emphasized the vulnerability of children under five due to their underdeveloped immune systems, making early vaccination essential.
He explained that the PCV is administered through injection, while the rotavirus vaccine once restocked will be delivered orally.
“We are doing everything possible to ensure no child is left behind, whether they live in towns or deep in the countryside, health workers have already been deployed to bring the vaccines directly to the people,” Anisa said.
The state’s logistical effort involves mobile vaccination teams, community health workers, and coordination with local authorities to reach remote and high-risk populations, ensuring that the vaccine is equitably distributed across both rural and urban areas.
This campaign arrives at a time when global health statistics remain grim with 1.6 million children under five die every year from preventable causes, with diarrhea and pneumonia leading the toll, in South Sudan, the situation is worsened by fragile healthcare infrastructure, inadequate medical supplies, and delayed support from national institutions.
Despite these challenges, the launch was marked by hope and resolve. Several mothers in Yambio expressed gratitude for the free vaccine but appealed for more consistent delivery of other essential health services.
“We appreciate this campaign, but we still struggle to get medicine for fever and cough. Let the government and NGOs continue helping us beyond one week,” said Rose Bonyo, a mother of four.
The campaign is expected to end on Sunday, June 15. Organizers have urged all parents and guardians to ensure their children are vaccinated on time.
