Second round of polio immunisations

Health practitioners are to begin a second round of synchronised polio immunisations in 19 West African countries from 18-27 November. The first round was held in October. The snychronisation strategy is expected to have a major impact on the reduction of polio cases in the region and halt wild poliovirus transmission within 24 months, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Wednesday. “This is crucial to keep the world on track to be certified polio free by 2005,” WHO said. “Synchronisation of the immunisation campaign across national boundaries ensures that children moving with their families due to conflict or for employment opportunities will be immunised and protected.” It said house calls will be made in all areas, including nomadic settlements and refugee camps, to ensure vaccine coverage of about 10 percent more children than in previous years. Vaccinations are to be given in Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, the Central African Republic, Chad, Cote d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo. The effort is being conducted by WHO, Rotary International, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the UN Children’s Fund.