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UNICEF chief to boost polio campaign

    NAIROBI

    UNICEF Executive Director Carol Bellamy begins a three-day visit to the DRC on Thursday aimed at boosting a global effort to wipe out polio, particularly in conflict-affected countries. According to a UNICEF press release, she will also visit neighbouring Republic of Congo. The press release said DRC is one of 20 priority countries where wild polio virus is still expected to be circulating by the end of this year. “For that reason, the national immunisation days Bellamy will be observing are crucial to protecting children and conquering the disease,” the press release stated. The campaign - which runs from 10-13 August - will target some 11 million children. Bellamy’s trip takes her to Kinshasa, Mbuji Mayi, Kananga and Kisangani in DRC, as well as Congo-Brazzaville. It is the second polio immunisation campaign this year, and a third round is scheduled for September.

    This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions

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