Ioba: At least 131,192 children are set to be vaccinated against typhoid fever in Ioba province. The High Commissioner of Ioba province, Innocents Ouattara, chaired an advocacy meeting organized by the Dano health district to promote the vaccination campaign last Friday in Dano.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the meeting aimed to gain support from opinion leaders and encourage their contributions to the vaccination campaign against typhoid fever in Ioba province. The campaign is scheduled to take place from January 23 to 29, 2025, targeting children aged 9 months to 14 years. In the Dano health district, at least 131,192 children will receive the vaccine, which will later be included in the expanded routine vaccination program.

The event was attended by various stakeholders, including heads of administrative districts, customary and religious authorities, representatives of civil society organizations, defense and security forces, and media personnel. Participants were informed about typhoid fever, a potentially fatal disease caused by bacteria, often referred to as 'dirty hands disease.'

Dr. Salam Mand©, the chief physician of the Dano health district, delivered a presentation on the general aspects of typhoid fever, covering signs, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. Iliass© Ou©draogo, head of the vaccination program, discussed the guidelines for implementing the vaccination campaign and highlighted communication strategies to support the initiative.

Opinion leaders pledged to disseminate information and raise awareness within their communities about the vaccination campaign and its significance for protecting children. High Commissioner Ouattara emphasized the vulnerability of children under 15 to typhoid fever and advocated for preventive measures, including vaccination. He acknowledged the dedication of health personnel and urged participants to support health workers to ensure the campaign's success.