AFRICA/SUDAN - World Health Organisation and UNICEF launch measles immunisation campaign to protect millions of children in Darfur

Rome (Fides Service) - Children are increasingly affected by the humanitarian crisis in the Darfur region of Sudan. The World Health Organisation and UNICEF have said that by the end of this week they will start vaccinating millions of children to protect them from measles.
The target is to vaccinate 2.26 million children in the month of June and save 50,000 from a possible epidemic in this region affected by violence, dislocation of the population and the arrival of the rains which every year prevent access to a greater part of west Sudan.
Thousands of vehicles and mobile teams are ready to transport the vaccine along the worst and most dangerous roads of the three inaccessible provinces of the region.
Measles is transmitted by virus which is most infectious and it is the main cause of infant morality a risk increased by malnutrition and dislocation of the population.
Another objective is to distribute vitamin A and immunise against polio at least 90% of the children under five. (AP) (8/6/2004 Agenzia Fides; Righe:18; Parole:191)