Khartoum: Al-Rahad Abu Dakna Locality has completed preparations for the launch of a cholera vaccination campaign, set to commence on June 18. The Executive Director of the locality, Dr. Saad Al-Sharif Ibrahim, received a briefing from the Health and Immunization Departments detailing the plans for this crucial health initiative.
According to Sudan News Agency, the campaign, which will span 10 days, aims to cover all local administrations within the locality. Hanan Adam Babiker, the local health affairs director, emphasized the significance of the vaccine in the fight against cholera, noting its 65% protection rate. She urged citizens to adhere to health guidelines to help combat the cholera epidemic.
Amal Al-Nour Ahmed Adam, the Director of the Immunization Department, revealed that the campaign targets 275,525 individuals with an oral vaccine. The vaccination will be available across all administrative areas except for displacement zones, and is intended for individuals aged one year and older, excluding those already infected. Despite some potential side effects such as vomiting and diarrhea, citizens were reassured of the vaccine’s safety and informed about the comprehensive preparations made for the campaign’s launch.
Mounir Hamed, Director of the Health Promotion Department, highlighted efforts to engage community support, with 172 health promoters and 30 mosque imams ready to counter misinformation. The Executive Director underscored the role of religious leaders in raising awareness about the importance of vaccination and called for stricter food safety controls in markets and schools.