Teenage girls attending a high school in Ghana become one of
the first to become inoculated by the Meningitis A vaccine. The school is
located in Tamale; capital in the northern region of Ghana. This program taken
on by Ghana is predicted to help almost 3 million people who receive the
vaccine; called MenAfrVac. This vaccine has already helped to reduce Meningitis
cases in several other African countries. Meningitis, a bacterial disease, has
caused fear in 26 African countries located on what is known as the Meningitis
belt. The belt stretches from western Senegal to eastern Ethiopia. The
infection can cause severe brain damage and eventually lead to death if left
untreated. Even the ones who survive typically have permanent disabilities including:
hearing loss, seizures, and several learning disabilities. The vaccine is so
special because it was designed specifically for Africa. The goal is to target meningococcal
A epidemics located along the meningitis belt. Since the introduction of
MenAfrVac; new cases of meningitis along the belt has virtually been reduced to
zero.
Africa
is still one of several developing nations that have more disease epidemics and
higher death rates than the industrialized ones. The emergence of these
different vaccines are creating massive strives in the hopeful eradication of many
diseases that still exist within the continent. Meningitis typically infects infants
and younger children who do have a fully developed immune system. With that
being said, the vaccine is geared towards them. This does not mean only infants
and children should take advantage of this groundbreaking discovery. It is even
more amazing that this vaccine was created just for Africa. This is a clear
indication how global officials are taking the necessary steps to help the
developing countries in a sense catch up with the rest of the world. We cannot
sit comfortably knowing there are millions of others out there that are still
suffering. Meningitis is very dangerous and very deadly when left untreated;
that is why a vaccine is so important. With MenAfrVac, millions now have a
chance at a healthier life.
http://www.who.int/features/2012/meningitis_ghana/en/index.html
No comments:
Post a Comment