Liberia Ministry of Health launches new injectable polio/other diseases vaccine to safe children
As a way of protecting and securing the lives of children in Liberia, the Ministry of Health through its Expanded Program on Immunization has launched the Injectable Polio Vaccine in some notable areas to improve protection for children against Polio. Liberians are really excited with this as many of their children have suffered from polio in the past.
Reports confirm that the IPV is a safe polio injection vaccine to protect children against the three types of polio. It also protects children from diseases that are the main causes of deaths of children under 5 years. Liberia over the years has recorded substantial number deaths of children below five years due to some deadly and unknown diseases. This vaccine has been confirmed after many varifications from health organisations to be the solution to these children deaths occurrence.
In addition, Dr. Francis Kateh, Liberia’s Chief Medical Officer, says the vaccine protects children below ages one and five from contacting some deadly diseases. He also cautions mothers to keep their children’s vaccine records safe and take it along with them whenever they are visiting a hospital or clinic.
Similarly, Dr. Kateh stresses the importance of immunization by saying that children should be taken to clinics or hospitals five times before reaching age one for the various vaccines to avoid contracting polio. According to him, if babies do not take the required vaccines as prescribed by doctors, they are likely to get infected by Polio, a situation which he warns may lead to lifetime problem for a child. It is better to save a child now than suffer with him later.
Further more, the Medical Officer however clarifies that the IPV is not a campaign, but rather a method created to buttress the efforts of regular oral vaccination. He said although it works more effectively than the previous one and also serve as a multi- disease tackler.
During the launch of the vaccine which was held at J.J. Dossen memorial referral hospital in Harper City, Maryland County, Dr. Kateh reiterated that the Ministry of Health is ready to work with all partners in making sure that proper information is sent out to the public. He further said that the ministry is fully ready to tackle diseases and safe more lives.
The health officer also confirmed that the vaccine will be available at all clinics and hospitals across the country. To further execute the health plans, Community Health Director (CHD) Cyrus Senah, promises to work with health workers in the county, the local media and conduct town hall meetings to ensure that massive awareness is carried out in Maryland for parents to take their children for vaccine.
The Ministry of Health in Liberia has recorded many achievements in the sector however, the injectable polio/other diseases vaccine is a part. This little but mighty vaccine has brought smiles to the faces of Liberians mothers. This will no doubt protect the lives of the children who are for sure the great leaders of tomorrow.
