Sudan has launched an oral cholera vaccination campaign in response to the ongoing outbreak of cholera, according to a statement by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The statement states that more than 1.6 million people aged one year and above in the Blue Nile and Sinnar states will be vaccinated over the coming five days, where 262 of the suspected cholera cases and eight deaths have been reported since Sept. 8.

The vaccines were procured and successfully shipped using funding from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. In addition, Gavi is providing nearly US $2 million to cover operational costs for the campaign.

The first round of the campaign will conclude on 16 October and will be followed by a second round in four to six weeks to provide an additional dose to ensure people are protected for at least the next three years.

As part of the campaign, over 3,560 vaccinators, more than 2,240 social mobilizers, and almost 70 independent monitors have been trained and deployed to the two affected states.

Source(s): WHO