The cynic in me is having a moment to recede. Today marks the second round of National Immunization Days against polio in Sudan, as the country intensifies efforts to tackle the virus.
According to a UNICEF press release this morning:
"Around 9 million children in every state of the country are being targeted in this latest initiative, which commences on Monday in the northern states and one day later in Southern Sudan."
Now I am fully aware that Sudan has not exactly been on the rose colored path for some time, however I have to say that I was (relatively) pleased to know that this initaive is being coordinated by the Government of the National Unity and the Government of the South. Together. Yay.
Eighteen of the 26 States of this vast African country now have confirmed cases of polio since the beginning of the outbreak in May 2004. A three-year period of polio-free status -- from 2001 to 2004 -- led authorities and health agencies to focus limited global resources on other countries. However, with the most recent case on February 6, 2009 and a total of 14 cases to date, nationwide efforts to fight this deadly virus have commenced once again.
All you Sudan government bashers (in whatever capacity), let's try to not to sneer at this initiative - after all, this deadly virus usually attacks children. Any effort to eradicate it gets a thumbs up from me.
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