1 September 2015 - Seeking to prevent spread of diseases among internally displaced persons (IDPs) at the UNMISS base in the Upper Nile State capital Malakal, humanitarian partners today completed the first round of vaccination against cholera and measles.

For the first round which started two weeks ago, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), International Medical Corps and UNICEF worked together to provide the vaccinations for new arrivals at the protection site.

Over 10,000 civilians recently arrived from Wau Shilluk and other villages around Malakal seeking protection at the mission’s base.

“We targeted new arrivals and work is ongoing for the second phase which is scheduled to kick off on 2 September up to 5 September, besides making sure that everyone within the camp acquires this vaccine,” said IOM Health Officer Dr. Austin Ombija.

He added that the initiative was part of continued efforts by the health partners which started in July with immunization of children from six months to 15 years.

Some newly arrived IDPs commended partners for the vaccination campaign.

“I thank health personnel here for vaccinating me and my children,” said Rita Anwar Kak, a newly arrived mother from Wau Shilluk. “It is a good way forward to avoid epidemic diseases (that could) affect us and our children in future.”

Othab Garang Yor, another newly arrived IDP, also expressed his gratitude to UNMISS and its partners for providing them shelter at the site.

“We are better off here and our needs are met by UNMISS and others are operating diligently for us since our arrival,” he said.

He appealed to the mission and humanitarian partners to also support them in setting up a school for their children.