Thursday 31 July 2008

From todays New Times

70 children immunised against killer diseases

BY LILLIAN NAKAYIMA

WESTERN PROVINCE

KARONGI — Mukungu Clinic in Karongi district has immunised over 70 children in the ongoing health campaign to protect children against the ‘six killer’ diseases.

The campaign that started recently has seen days of immunisation being increased from one to two days in a week, including Wednesday and Fridays.

A medical official at the clinic said increasing the days was part of a countrywide campaign to reduce infant mortality rates. The medics say many mothers have embraced the campaign.

“We have so far immunised over 70 babies,” said officials at the clinic.

She added that as part of the campaign, children are weighed and mothers with malnourished children are counseled. Pregnant women are also advised on how to live during pregnancy.

“It was long over due in this area and the large turn up emphasises it,” said another staff, Sister Theresa Uwayo who also acts as a health counselor.

Uwayo stressed that immunisation should be stepped up in rural areas. Another health campaign that has been stepped up in the area includes teaching pregnant mothers to voluntarily test for HIV/AIDS to know their health status.



To me the idea that more than 70 babies have been immunised shouldn't be newsworthy, but instead everyday..

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Indeed, 70 seems so few, if it was 70,000 I would understand. But at the same time it makes me realise how lucky I am to live in a 'Western world' where we take this for granted - and actually hear others scaremonger over parents who don't vacinate their children!!!!