Ganzourgou: The Zorgho health district organized an advocacy workshop in preparation for the national vaccination campaign against typhoid fever, scheduled for January 23 to 29, 2024. Chaired by the High Commissioner of Ganzourgou, Aminata Sorgho/Gouba, this meeting brought together the presidents of the special communal delegation, service managers, and religious and associative leaders, with the aim of guaranteeing massive support for the success of this campaign in the province.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Dr. Delphin Kabor©, Chief Medical Officer of the Zorgho Health District, emphasized the severe impact of typhoid fever, particularly in areas lacking access to clean water and proper sanitation. He warned that the fatality rate could reach up to 20% in untreated patients, with children under four years old facing even more serious consequences.
A study conducted between 2010 and 2014 by the Typhoid Fever Surveillance in Africa Program (TSAP) revealed an annual incidence of 383 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. In 2019, Burkina Faso recorded 80,672 cases of typhoid fever, 69% of which were in children under 15, causing 1,530 deaths. Vaccination is seen as a crucial solution to addressing these alarming statistics.
The campaign aims to vaccinate children aged 9 months to 14 years, who are most vulnerable to this “dirty hands disease.” Health authorities plan to vaccinate at least 95% of targeted children while ensuring the safety of injections at all vaccination sites. Teams will be deployed in CSPS, markets, train stations, places of worship, and other strategic points to reach as many beneficiaries as possible.
Ms. Sorgho/Gouba praised the collaborative efforts between stakeholders and encouraged discussions to tackle logistical and social challenges. Participants also addressed concerns such as informing schools through a circular and possibly expanding vaccination to non-target populations.
The meeting also served as an opportunity for the Zorgho health district to highlight the situation of diseases preventable by vaccination. Dr. Kabor© noted a relative lull in such diseases over the past three years but stressed the importance of continued vigilance.
Regular epidemiological monitoring and investigations into specific cases underscore this vigilance. Dr. Kabor© also highlighted the district’s satisfactory performance in monitoring poliomyelitis, measles, and neonatal tetanus.
In conclusion, Dr. Kabor© called for the commitment of all stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the vaccination campaign against typhoid fever in Ganzourgou.
