South Sudan Launches Major Vaccine Drive to Combat Pneumonia and Diarrhea in Young Children
South Sudan has initiated an extensive vaccination campaign to protect children from two of the country’s most significant health threats: pneumonia and acute watery diarrhea. The government has introduced the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) and the rotavirus vaccine as part of a coordinated effort to accelerate the fight against these preventable diseases in children under two years old.
Dr. Justin Tongun, Executive Director of Al-Sabah Children’s Hospital, highlighted the transformative potential of the new vaccines. “With the introduction of PCV and the rotavirus vaccine, we expect to reduce cases of pneumonia, meningitis, and severe diarrhea by 50%. The rotavirus vaccine alone could reduce diarrhea cases by up to 90%,” Dr. Tongun said. He emphasized the importance of widespread vaccine uptake: “We need everyone to ensure 100% coverage to maximize the benefits of these life-saving vaccines.”
Recent hospital records at Al-Sabah indicate a significant disease burden, with 519 outpatient and 69 inpatient cases of acute watery diarrhea, and 53 inpatient and 10 outpatient cases of pneumonia reported. Dr. Justin noted that pneumonia is responsible for an estimated 10% mortality rate among affected children, a statistic he hopes the new vaccines will change.
Other preventable illnesses—malaria, pneumonia, acute watery diarrhea, and malnutrition—remain the leading causes of childhood deaths in South Sudan, according to hospital and government authorities.
The Ministry of Health is collaborating with partners such as UNICEF and the World Health Organization to prevent future outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, which still pose a persistent threat in many parts of the country. Dr. Atem Nathan Anyoun, Director General for Primary Health Care, noted the success of prior pilot programs and called this rollout “a game changer.”
For South Sudanese mothers like Hadia, Imjuma, and Joyce, the campaign brings fresh hope. “My child has been very sick, and I am always visiting the hospital because of acute watery diarrhea and pneumonia,” said Imjuma, mother of seven.
Dr. Kidiende Chong, Director General for Preventive Health Services and Emergencies, emphasized the need for increased investment and co-financing in health, recognizing the significant role of both public and private sectors. “The private sector is already making a big contribution, and our partnerships are critical,” he said.
With these vaccines now part of the country’s routine immunization schedule for children under two, South Sudan aims to break the cycle of preventable illness and child mortality, offering its youngest citizens a healthier future.
