Meningitis epidemic in the DR Congo and Uganda: Malteser International starts vaccination campaign
Source: Malteser International - Germany
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Cologne/Kampala. Due to the alarming number of people suffering from meningitis in the DR Congo and Uganda, Malteser International is implementing a vaccination campaign in Uganda on 5 February. More than 200,000 people are about to be vaccinated thereby assuring long-term protection. In the neighbouring country DR Congo, the organisation supplies the required medicines, organises education campaigns and trainings for the local medical staff and searches for people affected by the disease. Commenting on the current situation Dr. Alfred Kinzelbach, the coordinator of Malteser International in the area of the Great Lakes, explains: 'We rapidly have to contain the disease. This is the only way to prevent a major catastrophe!' Meningitis is highly infectious and may lead to death if untreated.
With 400 Meningitis cases at present the West Nile-Region in Uganda is hardest hit, says Kinzelbach. 'It is now of high importance to find the infected persons in the villages and to take them to the hospitals.' The campaign is realised in co-operation with the local health authorities and local partners as 'Radio Koboko', which broadcasts educational spots and radio conferences. The financing is assured by Malteser International and the Foreign Office of Germany.
For more than ten years, Malteser International has already been working in the Congo and in Uganda and today, is securing the medical care for over 2.7 million people.
Attention editorial offices! Dr. Alfred Kinzelbach, Regional Coordinator of Malteser International in the area of the Great Lakes, is available for interviews. Please contact +49 (0) 221 / 9822 - 125.
For its projects in the DR Congo, Malteser International appeals for donations:
Donation Account 120 120 120
Bank fuer Sozialwirtschaft, Woerthstr.15-17, D-50668 Koeln
Sort Code 370 205 00, IBAN : DE49 3702 0500 0001 0258 01, BIC: BFSWDE33XXX
Reference: 'Congo'
For more Information please contact:
Petra Ipp, Senior Desk Officer Communication, Malteser International
Phone: +49-221-9822-155, Fax +49-221/9822-179;
petra.ipp@malteser-international.org; www.malteser-international.org
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