The Health Minister chaired a comprehensive meeting of the Social Behavior Change (SBC) group.
Minister of Health Leads Meeting on National Polio Vaccination Campaign
ADEN, Yemen – Dr. Qassem Baheebah, the Minister of Public Health and Population, convened a significant meeting today in the temporary capital of Aden. The gathering focused on the final preparations for the upcoming national vaccination campaign against polio, scheduled to take place from October 12 to 14 in liberated provinces. This initiative aims to immunize children under five years old.
Urgent Need for Health Readiness
During the meeting, which included Dr. Ali Al-Walidi, the Undersecretary of the Ministry for Primary Health Care, Dr. Baheebah emphasized the critical timing of this campaign. He noted the necessity of enhancing health readiness and response, especially in light of confirmed polio cases emerging in various regions. “Protecting children in Yemen is not solely the responsibility of the health sector; it requires a collective effort,” he stated. He called for strong partnerships with civil society, local leaders, and international organizations to build community trust in preventive health interventions.
Importance of Community Engagement
Dr. Baheebah expressed confidence in the pivotal role of the Social Behavior Change (SBC) Group. He highlighted their responsibility in delivering health messages and gaining the trust of families. “We rely heavily on their efforts to ensure that every targeted child receives the vaccine,” he said. He reiterated that the success of the vaccination campaign depends on comprehensive collaboration at all levels.
Media Campaigns to Combat Misinformation
The Minister urged for intensified media campaigns across various platforms, including social media and traditional media outlets. He emphasized the importance of targeting influential community groups to enhance health messages and correct misconceptions about vaccines.
Strategic Communication Plan
Dr. Aref Al-Houshabi, Director General of the National Center for Health Education and Media, presented the center’s strategy for managing the media campaign. This plan includes producing standardized media materials and disseminating them through local radio stations, text messages, and community platforms in collaboration with supporting organizations.
UNICEF’s Commitment to Support
Mohiuddin Hazal, a representative from UNICEF, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting Yemen in executing national campaigns. He praised the Ministry of Health and the Health Education Center for adopting a participatory approach that strengthens community trust in the health sector.
This meeting marks a crucial step in Yemen’s efforts to combat polio and protect its youngest citizens. The collaboration between government bodies, civil society, and international organizations aims to ensure a successful vaccination campaign that reaches every child in need.
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