Rome (Agenzia Fides) - The United Nations says that in Liberia three people have died of yellow fever and another 11 suspect cases of infection are reported. The World Health Organisation WHO said that in Liberia there are all the conditions for the development of an epidemic of yellow fever. International health organisations are ready to start a vaccination campaign to prevent infection.
Liberia has about 80,000 doses of vaccine but at least 720,000 are needed according to WHO and UNICEF the United Nations Children’s Fund. Fourteen years of civil war have completely destroyed Liberia’s health structures and yellow fever is often mortal. Among hospialised patients the death rate can be as high as 50%. Liberia suffered from outbreaks of yellow fever in 1995 and 2002.
Disease and health-care problems affecting third world countries often hamper development and perpetuate conditions of extreme poverty. (AP) (26/2/2004 Agenzia Fides; Righe:18; Parole:197)