2.4 million children immunised in three days

A campaign which aims to immunise millions of children across Benin against common childhood diseases was launched this week.

Organised with the support of Plan and other partners, the immunisation programme spanned three days and took place throughout the country.

The operation was expected to reach 95% of children aged from 6 months to 5 years old. To reach this target, health workers went from door to door to every house to ensure that all children were immunised.

Children aged from 6 months to one year received the poliomyelitis vaccine along with vitamin A. Those aged over one year also received a dose of vermifuge to eradicate intestinal worms, improving the children's nutritional state and reducing anaemia.

According to Mrs Flore Gangbo, the Benin Minister of Health who launched the scheme: "Benin has almost overcome poliomyelitis, but we still have to be watchful so as to assure a healthy future for our children."

She exhorted all the different agencies operating in Benin, including institutions, associations, media, traditional and religious authorities, to mobilise for the eradication of childhood diseases.

The launch ceremony ended with a demonstration of immunisation by the minister herself, Dr Mahamadou Tounkara, the Country Director of Plan in Benin, and other partners and authorities.