ICG boosts yellow fever ycontrol in Nigeria

The International Coordinating Group on vaccine provision for yellow fever has provided 1.4 million vaccine doses for an immunisation campaign that began on Saturday, December 2, 2017, to help control an ongoing yellow fever outbreak in Nigeria.
The Federal Government, supported by the World Health Organisation and partners, is expected to vaccinate 1.3 million people to contain the outbreak in
affected areas.
The vaccines, funded by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, will be administered in parts of Zamfara State, where cases of the deadly disease have been confirmed.
“WHO is working with the government of Nigeria to address the low immunity among affected populations that is giving rise to cases of yellow fever,” WHO Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Wondimagegnehu Alemu, said.
The release of 1.4 million doses from the global stockpile builds on earlier efforts in October that reached 874, 000 people in Kwara and Kogi states.
The outbreak has evolved from one confirmed case in August to 30 confirmed cases in Kogi, Kwara, Kano and Zamfara states; a total of 276 suspected cases have been reported in 14 states as of November 21.
A pre-emptive campaign to protect people in areas at high risk of yellow fever transmission is being planned in the coming
months.
WHO’s response to the yellow fever outbreak in Nigeria is part of broader efforts by the Health Emergencies programme to build the capacity of the government of Nigeria to manage health emergency risks, to contain outbreaks and to provide effective relief and recovery to affected people.
Yellow fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes. Symptoms include fever, headache, jaundice, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting and fatigue. Vaccination is the most important means of preventing yellow fever.