National Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) Manager in Lao People’s Democratic Republic on the Japanese Encephalitis campaign trail

During the World Immunization Week from the 24th to 30th April, Lao PDR is conducting its own Japanese Encephalitis (JE) vaccine campaign from 20th to 30th April in ten central and southern provinces for children aged nine months to 14 years of age.

Dr Anonh Xeuatvongsa, National Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) Manager was in Pakading District of Bolikhamxay Province to supervise the campaign and the Rapid Convenience Monitoring (RCM) activities, he visited the town centre where JE vaccination activities were taking place.

 

Dr Anonh demonstrating to the health worker on the proper technique of vaccination

 

A crying child while being vaccinated

 

After she improve her technique, the children were calmer

 

A grandmother reading about the information on the JE vaccine

 

Dr Anonh demonstrating the vaccination technique to the health worker

 

Dr Anonh observed what she does

 

He demonstrated again

 

Happy smiling children after the vaccination

 

Children showing off their finger markings

Globally, there are an estimated 70 000 clinical cases of Japanese encephalitis each year. The most serious cases of JE tend to affect children less than 15 years, which can cause deaths or lifelong disabilities.

Dr Anonh commented that no-one has to die from this preventable disease or live with its consequences, since a cost effective vaccine is available. His EPI team hopes to reach each and every child born in the country to protect them from this dreadful disease.