Governor of Western Bahr El Ghazal State Gen. Mark Nypouch placed two drops of liquid in a child's mouth as he launched the third polio immunization campaign in Wau on 24 March.

Governor of Western Bahr El Ghazal State Gen. Mark Nypouch placed two drops of liquid in a child's mouth as he launched the third polio immunization campaign in Wau on 24 March.

Wearing a hat with the campaign slogan "Just Two Drops", Gen. Nypouch said, "Down, down with polio in South Sudan and Wau in particular."

The governor acknowledged intensive efforts by the World Health Organization and UNICEF's Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) to fight the disease. But he also stressed that the state had joined the effort, directing its commissioners to administer the three-day immunization campaign.

State Minister of Health Isaac Elias said the fight against polio was the collective responsibility of parents, UN agencies and the state government. He emphasized the need to immunize all children, including those in remote villages.

EPI's Bahr El Ghazal State Director, Mr. Eugenio Longer thanked UNMIS Military for providing transport to immunization teams, allowing them to travel to campaign target areas.

During the event, also attended by WHO, UNICEF and UNMIS representatives, the governor praised UN agencies for assisting with education and health in the state.