Our Videos

July 26, 11

NEWS / Millions of children reached in UN-run anti-measles vaccination in DR Congo


26 July 2011 –
Some 3.1 million children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have been vaccinated against measles in a United Nations-coordinated campaign to combat the disease outbreak which has claimed the lives of 1,145 children since the start of this year.

The measles epidemic affected a total of 115,600 children between January and June, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in a press release issued yesterday, adding that the vaccination campaign was funded with $1.9 million.

The campaign, which kicked off on 10 May, was coordinated by the UN World Health Organization (WHO) in the provinces of Katanga, Kasai Occidental, Bas-Congo, Equateur and Orientale.

“The funding – equivalent to 61 cents per child – helped protect the health of millions of children,” said Fidèle Sarassoro, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for DRC. “We thank our partners and urge them to continue supporting us, especially now that DRC is facing other epidemics, including cholera in the west of the country,” said Mr. Sarassoro.

Some 5,407 cases of measles were reported in DRC last year, causing 82 deaths, compared to 899 cases, including 26 fatalities, in 2009.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease, which mostly affects children. It is transmitted through droplets from the nose, mouth or throat of infected persons. Initial symptoms, which usually appear between eight to 12 days after infection, include high fever, a running nose, bloodshot eyes, and tiny white spots on the inside of the mouth. A rash then develops, starting on the face and upper neck and gradually spreading to the rest of the body.

In malnourished children and people with reduced immunity, the disease can cause serious complications, including blindness, encephalitis, severe diarrhoea, ear infection, pneumonia and even death.

http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=39149&Cr=democratic&Cr1=congo

 




Testimonials

John Beacleay

Just wanted to say thanks again for all your help Anton. I mean it's really amazing to me that yo...
Read More »
Niranjan Sujay
I recently used LOGOS INTERNATIONAL for the translation of my bachelor’s certificate, and I couldn’t...
Read More »
Katia Nagata

As a foreigner, I needed a certified translation, so I called the DOE to give me a list of the ce...
Read More »
AnnaMaria Realbuto
Thank you for all your assistance and efficiency...
Read More »




FAQ

Can I visit the U.S. while pregnant and what are the risks involved?
Read More »
Licensing Requirements and Criminal Records (for D.C.)
Read More »
My fiance (fiancee) has been denied a B1/B2 visitor visa to the U.S. before. Could that affect the decision on her K-1 visa application if I file a K-1 Fiance (e) visa petition for her now?
Read More »
Is there additional post-completion OPT available to students working in the high-tech industry?
Read More »






News

July 3, 25
TX woman arrested after convincing pastor to certify fake marriage certificate
Read More »
July 1, 25
South Carolina woman accused of altering sister’s death certificate to commit insurance fraud
Read More »
June 26, 25
Jefferson Davis Hospital birth certificate errors persist; causing headaches for many
Read More »
June 19, 25
Iowa man whose body was found after home explosion died of suicide – death certificate
Read More »