LNRCS COMMENCES IMMEDIATE MASS AWARENESS CAMPAIGN TO ENCOURAGE THE VACCINATION OF CHILDREN UNDER FIVE

In the wake of the rapid increase in the number of cases and widespread of measles in at least 14 of the 15 counties, the Liberia National Red Cross Society has commenced an immediate progressive mass awareness campaign to encourage the vaccination of children under five years old.

“The current geographical scope of the outbreak in Liberia highlights a spike in cases and there is a need to increase and enhance the vaccination of children. As a result, we are commencing a three-month campaign to create a massive awareness to educate mothers and encourage mass vaccination” the Secretary-General of the Liberian Red Cross said in a Press Release.

Mr. Gregory T. Blamoh added that: “The Liberian Red Cross strongly supports the efforts of the Ministry of Health and our partners to ensure that every child fully benefits from the protection that vaccines offer”.

He emphasized that the Liberian Red Cross will campaign vigorously in affected and at-risk communities in the eight targeted counties including Grand Bassa, Grand Cape Mount, Bomi, Montserrado, Margribi, Bong, Lofa, and Nimba to encourage mothers to take their children for the measles vaccines.

“Let’s do what is best for our children – follow the routine immunizations to protect our own and our neighbors’ children”, Mr. Blamoh said. “We continue to work with local health authorities in mapping out affected and at-risk communities through an assessment in the targeted counties. 

We have mobilized 300-volunteers for deployment. They are being trained by the Ministry of Health, and the National Public Health Institute of Liberia. They will be deployed in communities to move from house to house to create awareness. We have also commissioned a Sound truck using audio messages, posters, and flyers to cover more than 125 communities in the eight counties”, he added.

Mr. Gregory T. Blamoh mentioned that the Red Cross has received funding support from the European Union through the Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). “We are thrilled with such a huge and timely support which will enable us to support a mass vaccination campaign through social mobilization, awareness, and community engagement activities”, Mr. Blamoh pointed out, emphasizing that “This is a strong signal to stop the spread of measles in Liberia”.

“We are exceedingly thankful to the European Union for the emergency fund through the IFRC. We will coordinate our activities with the Ministry of Health and other partners while improving community monitoring and reporting of measles cases” he acknowledged. Approximately 305, 000 people will be reached, and priority will be given to groups at higher risk of developing severe illnesses, such as unvaccinated children under five, pregnant and lactating women, the elderly, and people with special needs.

The Liberia Health Ministry in April declared a measles outbreak affecting 14 of the 15 counties in the country. Measles is endemic in Liberia. According to the Liberian government, the outbreak is a result of low immunization rates, due to disruption of immunization activities during the COVID-19 pandemic and people’s general misconceptions about immunization.