BY: PETER MASSAQUOI

Photo of Aedes aegypti mosquito, which can spread the dengue fever and yellow fever viruses, on Flickr by Carlos Seo

In the wake of a new outbreak of yellow fever in Liberia and other African countries, the government of Liberia through the Ministry of Health and other international partners is expected to launch an integrated yellow fever vaccination campaign across Liberia.

Health and Social Welfare Minister Dr. Walter Gwanigale and his Montserrado County mobilization team, Crusaders for Peace, are encouraging Liberians across the country to take advantage of the pending yellow fever vaccination.

Addressing a joint news conference Thursday, Dr. Gwanigale said that although the deadly disease has no cure preventive measures are available. The yellow fever vaccinations will take place from  November 23-29 targeting about three million people. Dr. Gwanigale said that Liberia is one of three African countries, including Sierra Leone and Benin, that are carrying out the vaccinations. He said that about ten thousand health workers have been recruited and trained to effectively carry out the vaccinations across the country. At the same time the Ministry and its partners have disclosed plans to officially launch the campaign this weekend at the Redemption Hospital in New Kru town.

In 1985 Liberia through the Health Ministry carried out yellow fever vaccinations throughout the county, but the Health Ministry said it has uncovered another outbreak and is investigating several cases. Minister Gwanigale revealed that about $4 million has been provided by the government and its partners for the vaccination campaign.