Health Ministry: 2, 722,190 children under five immunized against polio in recent vaccination campaign

Damascus, SANA-Recent data obtained by the Health Ministry during the past few days revealed that the nationwide polio vaccination campaign, which was wrapped up on October 23, had a coverage percentage of 94 %.

According to the information obtained, a total of 2, 722, 190 children under the age of five across Syria received the vaccine.

Hailing the percentage as signifying a ‘tangible progress” in immunizing children against polio in insecure areas, Health Minister Nizar Yazigi said in a press statement that the number of immunized children in Damascus countryside reached 326, 848, followed by Hama in which the number hit 325, 525, then came Damascus province with 277, 605 immunized children.

Similarly, 231, 994 children in Hasaka received the vaccine, according to the minister.

The minister indicated that the data the ministry received showed an increasing numbers of children who became immunized against polio, vowing further measures to meet the requirements of a new round of vaccination slated to be launched between November 23-27.

Striking an optimistic note about wiping out the disease, the minister said “eliminating polio is not an impossible mission in view of the government’s interest in meeting all needed conditions for immunizing children against polio and other serious diseases.”

Manal Ismael

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