Banjul, Thursday, 6 June 2013 -- The Gambia has successfully participated in the 2013 synchronized, sub-regional National Immunization Days (NIDs) against polio in which 13 countries in West and Central African countries took part. The four-day exercise began on Friday 24 and ended on Monday 27 May 2013.

The results of this year’s NIDs, by all accounts, not only reflect the commitment mothers, caregivers and Gambians at large attach to immunization services but also demonstrate that Gambians have responded positively to the call made by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Mrs Matilda Bouy, when she was launching the campaign at Paki JolaPark in the Kanifing Municipal Council on Friday, 24 May 2013.

Further to her appeal for a large turnout, Mrs Bouy reiterated her Ministry’s commitment to immunization services in general and to polio eradication in particular, noting that her Ministry had launched its own polio eradication initiative in 1992 based on a three-pronged approach:

- Routine vaccination provided at base and outreach clinics

- Active case finding of acute flaccid paralysis

- National immunization Days (NIDs)

Since then, according to Mrs Bouy, the Gambia has always maintained high immunization coverage, an achievement that has earned the country a polio-free status by the WHO in 2004 and GAVI’s Award in 2009 for improved immunization coverage. She thanked donors particularly the polio eradication coalition notably WHO, UNICEF, Rotary International and the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control of the United States of America for their relentless support to the Gambia’s immunization programme.

For his part, the WHO Representative delivered a joint UNICEF/WHO statement which highlighted the two agencies’ roles in the campaign based on their specific mandates and comparative advantages.

He noted that UNICEF, on the one hand, is responsible for providing the necessary logistical support by making vaccines available and strengthening the cold chain system. In addition, it supports the communication and social mobilization tools, processes and activities before and during the campaign. The WHO, on the other hand, provides the necessary technical leadership and support through the development of tools and guidelines; training of those involved in implementation; and above all financial remuneration of vaccinators and independent monitors for the smooth conduct of the campaign.

Dr Sukwa also seized the opportunity to brief the gathering on the current situation on polio in the African Region, noting that confirmed cases of the disease had declined and from 1st January 2013 to date, 23 wild poliovirus cases have been confirmed in our Region (Nigeria=22 and Kenya=1) . Globally, he went on, only 33 cases have been confirmed so far from the 3 remaining endemic countries (Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Pakistan) and 1 each from Kenya and Somalia (non-endemic country).

Dr. Sukwa conveyed his sincere thanks and gratitude to the President of the Republic of the Gambia (H.E Sheikh Professor Alhagie Dr. Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh) for supporting the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. He also congratulated the Hon. Minister and his team, for ensuring that The Gambia remains and maintains a polio free status achieved since 2004 (9 years ago). On behalf of UNICEF, WHO and the entire UN system in the country, he reassured them their continued assistance and support in ensuring that The Gambia attains national, regional and global health targets.

The Deputy Mayor of Kanifing Municipal Council, in his welcome remarks, also reiterated his institution’s support to current national polio eradication initiatives including the NIDs.

A representative of the Rotary International also echoed similar sentiments, pledging increased financial support to the social mobilization as aspects of the exercise, in particular.

The ceremony was chaired by the Director of Health Services, Dr Adama Demba, and ended in the administration of the polio vaccine by the Permanent Secretary, WHO Representative, UNICEF Representative and other dignitaries symbolizing the beginning of the campaign. There was also a colorful display of cultural performances on polio

Gambia successfully concludes synchronized polio NIDs

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For more details please contact:

Mr. Momodou Gassama, Health Promotion Officer-9331961 Ext. 30805, Office: 00220 4462283/84/86

Mr. George Williams-Health Information Assistant-9900248 Ext.30808

The WHO Gambia Office, New Kotu Layout P.M.B 170, Banjul, The GAMBIA