Angola sets targets for elimination of polio, measles

Van Dunem

Angola has set the target of 2012 and 2020 for the complete eradication of poliomyelitis and measles, the minister of health José Van-Dúnem has said.

The World Health Organisation says an outbreak of the crippling polio virus, which started in 2007 after Angola had been polio-free for six years, now had “international consequences” if it is not stopped.

Van Dunem who presented government strategy to the country’s health sector consultative council last week said government was working to reinforce the collaboration with social partners and other sectors intervening in public health to improve monitoring, and supervision of government planned strategies.

The minister noted that meeting the eradication target was crucial for the country to attain the Millennium Development Goals.

Parts of strategies adopted by government according to the minister include massive awareness campaign to ensure adequate coverage of vaccination.

The council is expected to debate on the revision the country’s basic laws that would militate against government plans to meet the polio and measles eradication targets.

Commitment to end polio in Angola

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Posted by AfricaSTI on October 10, 2011. Filed under Health. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry