By Isatou Fofana
In a significant step towards safeguarding the health of children in the country, the Ministry of Health, through the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) launched its National Polio Campaign, a critical initiative aimed at eradicating polio virus and safeguarding the health of children in the country. The campaign, which was inaugurated last week at the Fajikunda Major Health Centre was attended by health officials, government representatives and a cross section of community members. The campaign underscores the government’s dedication to public health and wellbeing of children. In his statement, the Health Director for Region One, Musa Camara, explained that the campaign will employ door-to-door vaccination strategies, ensuring accessibility for families in both urban and rural communities, while trained health workers and volunteers will go across the nation to deliver oral polio vaccines and raise awareness about the significance of immunisation.
Mr. Camara further emphasised the importance of community involvement while urging parents to participate actively in the campaign by bringing their children forward for vaccination. The Hon. Minister of Health, Dr. Ahmadou Lamin Samateh, said that the successful implementation of this campaign is crucial for the country’s goal of achieving a polio-free status. With the collective efforts of the government, health organisations, and communities, there is hope for a healthier future for all Gambian children. Minister Samateh further stated that The Gambia Government has made significant strides in improving vaccination coverage in recent years, whereby the National Polio Campaign seeks not only to provide immediate protection to children but also to reinforce the importance of routine immunization. As the campaign unfolds, in the CRR, LRR, NBR, URR, and WCR, health workers traveled through communities, markets, and schools to ensure that every child in their various communities received the vaccine.
Mamud Camara, the Regional Health Promotion and Education Officer, explained that extensive sensitization was done ahead of the launch to address vaccine hesitancy. Deputy Governor of LRR and District Chief Yaya Jarjusey, both encouraged parents and caregivers to adhere to the Campaign principles by ensuring that every child is vaccinated. The national polio campaign is set to run in two faces thereby continuing to expand its outreach as it strives for a polio-free Gambia. Government anticipates that this concerted effort will not only strengthen child health but also enhance the country’s potential for sustainable development.
