UNICEF supports vaccination campaign in DPRK

UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) — The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is supporting a nationwide vaccination campaign by the government of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), a UN spokesman said on Tuesday.
The campaign targets more than 800,000 children and 120,000 pregnant women who have missed out on vaccines since the COVID-19 pandemic, said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, at a daily briefing.
With support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF assisted the DPRK’s Ministry of Public Health with the delivery of over 4 million doses of vaccines, including Measles-Rubella, Tetanus-Diphtheria, Hepatitis B, and Polio, said Dujarric.
UNICEF also supplied new freezers, fridges, and other supplies to keep vaccines effective in even the most remote areas. Additionally, over 7,200 health workers were trained to manage vaccination campaigns and handle any potential vaccine reactions, he said.
UNICEF is also supporting the campaign by overseeing vaccine delivery and administration, and tracking coverage to ensure its success, said the spokesman. ■