As the National Measles Immunization Campaign kicks off nation-wide, this reporter is with the Unicef team in the Central River Region to take part in the weeklong measles campaign.

The team which is headed by Mr. Jawara Saidykah of Unicef visited various teams in different villages within the itinerary. On Wednesday, the team visited Fullabantang, Brikamaba, Niamina West, Niamina Dankunku, Kerr Njole, Biram, Niamina Barro Kunda amongst others.

Speaking to this reporter, Lamin Ceesay, the Public Health Officer who is responsible for the Brikama-ba team said people have responded well especially during the first day.He stated that the mothers help them a lot, because even if the children want to resist, their mothers do intervene and help them.

At Biram ,we were told that the information has reached them that vaccinators will come but the mothers decided to go to their farms.

The attendance at Kerr Njole was very good. I spoke to one Fatoumatta Sowe who said the reason why she brought her child for immunization is to prevent her from contracting the disease. She stated that prevention is better than cure. In Niamina West, the coverage was fair as villages are far from each other and that only two teams are responsible for that wide area. The team that was posted to Niamina Dankunku moved to other villages after members successful completed their assignment in the area.

Speaking to this reporter to confirm some of the alleged constraints that have been reported, the Public Health Officer at Dankunku, Buba Darboe stated that they had secured 2 vehicles from the regional health team in Bansang, but that one of the vehicles has a breakdown and now they are managing with only one vehicle.

Mr. Janko Jimbara, a health officer, said they will make efforts to provide the team with another vehicle work swi. He saidpetrol will be provided to enhance the work of motorcyclists.He stated that the teams are on track and it is expected that they will all meet their targets before the end of the exercise.

Src: Foroyaa, Gambia