Burundi: UN agencies urge 'days of tranquillity' for immunization campaign

Concerned that continued armed clashes in Burundi could hinder vaccination campaigns targeting over 3 million children in the country, United Nations officials have called on all parties to the conflict to observe 'Days of Tranquillity' so that the immunization campaign can go forward.

The UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Burundi, along with the heads of the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO), on Wednesday appealed to the warring sides to ensure the safe passage of health workers during the next two rounds of National Immunization Days, scheduled for 17-28 June and 23-26 July.

In making their plea through a joint statement, the officials said the country's children "continue to die from preventable diseases because the ongoing conflict keeps humanitarian assistance from those who need it most." Children living in the most insecure provinces have the lowest vaccination levels, making them the most vulnerable to death by preventable disease.

The vaccination campaign aims to provide protection against measles and polio. In addition, 1.2 million children under five will receive Vitamin A supplements. To ensure high coverage rates, this year's campaign, which targets three times the number of children as last year, will go door-to-door in urban centres and use over 4,000 community workers to help the vaccinators reach children in the most remote and insecure areas.