Sindou: The High Commissioner of the LEraba province, Yacouba Sawadogo, chaired an advocacy meeting in Sindou, emphasizing the importance of the vaccination campaign against yellow fever and malaria in the province. The chief physician of the Sindou health district, Lamine Ouattara, assured attendees of the high quality of the vaccines.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the meeting aimed to secure the commitment of administrative, customary, and religious authorities, as well as opinion leaders, for social mobilization towards the vaccination campaign. The campaign targets yellow fever response vaccination and the introduction of the malaria vaccine.
Reports indicate that the yellow fever vaccination is focused on two rural communes, Wolokonto and Dakoro. The campaign, running from September 10 to 16, addresses a disease that has posed challenges in Burkina Faso since 2024, with confirmed positive cases. Dr. Lamine Ouattara stated that national authorities have opted for vaccination as a countermeasure.
Dr. Ouattara reassured the population of the safety, effectiveness, and free availability of the vaccines, while also noting that side effects might occur, with plans in place to manage them. The campaign aims to vaccinate a total of 26,822 people.
Regarding malaria, Dr. Ouattara detailed its inclusion in the expanded vaccination program since August 14. Taking place in four districts, including Sindou, the malaria vaccine is freely available at usual locations for individuals aged 9 months to 60 years.
Communicator Dr. MarE added that health workers will actively administer the vaccine to the population, targeting children aged 5 months, who should receive four doses as outlined in a healthcare worker guide.
High Commissioner Yacouba Sawadogo encouraged the population to participate in the campaign to effectively combat these health challenges in LEraba.