Health Authorities confirmed 20 cases of measles in Aweil

By Hou Akot Hou

Health officials in Aweil hospital of Northern Bahr El Ghazal State have confirmed 20 cases of measles among infants since January.

Santino Ngong Chan, the Director Expanded Program for Immunization (EPI) in the state, told Juba Echo on Wednesday that they confirmed 20 positive cases after sending 30 samples to the South Sudan capital,Juba.

 “I would like to inform the public to make sure that their children are taken for EPI vaccination,” Ngong said in Aweil town.

He said that they lack enough budget to launch mass immunization against measles.

“There is no way we can start the big campaign now for all children. The parents need to ensure that all children are taken for immunization as there is no way to save the children from the deadly disease,” Ngong said.

Measles which affects under age children causes fever and rashes over the body.

Last year more than 10 children were reported to have died due to the measles in Northern Bahr El Ghazal State.