How To Get A Covid Vaccine To South Sudan In A Minimalist Approach.
Key Sentence:
- South Sudan has one of the lowest vaccination rates against Covid-19 in the world only 0.8% of the population received a single dose, and 0.3% experienced both strokes.
- This shows substantial inequality in vaccine distribution as several developed countries are now giving third boosters and vaccinating children.
"Even if we can provide a vaccine ... it is more than ten times more expensive in South Sudan than neighboring countries with a very reliable road network," said Nai Mio Tu, a vaccination specialist with the state's United Nations Children's Fund. South Sudan is a large country, the size of France. But only a few roads are paved. As a result, most of the country remains largely inaccessible by road.
The decades-long war that broke out with Sudan in 2011 and neglect by former rulers in the north has kept infrastructure severely underdeveloped. But even after independence, the country will continue to face governance challenges and political and ethnic violence insecurity. This complicates the implementation of the vaccination program.
That is, during the rainy season, floods cut off some areas and render the cannon unusable.
Dr. John Rumanu, the government's head of preventive health services, said some of AstraZeneca's vaccines have been delivered to 10 countries in the country "but have reached less than 50% of districts. Some districts are not vaccinated". UNICEF distributes vaccines procured through the UN-sponsored Covax program, which aims to make bags easier for developing countries.
Before the Covid-19 pandemic, the agency handled the logistics for the child vaccination program, so this was the most significant expansion of their business. In South Sudan, vaccines are mainly transported by air. This requires a significant investment, which means distributing the vaccine in South Sudan is much more expensive than buying it.
"You have to reach out to residents and make sure they arrive on time. Then, depending on availability, have to wait," said dr. Mrs. Coordinating the entire operation, timing, and hoping for a good time are the keys to success, even if things don't always go perfectly. "It is not easy because our health system is not strong. Most health workers are not paid well," said Dr. Victoria Madjur, senior public health officer.
The country has received two deliveries of the AstraZeneca vaccine so far. The first came on March 25. He has 132,000 cans. The ease of reaching the districts characterizes the mission. However, there are logistical challenges and the motivation of health workers as well as uncertainty and time," said Dr. Romania.