Jerada province launches diphtheria vaccination catch-up campaign

A vaccination catch-up initiative has been launched in the Guenfouda commune of Jerada province, located in the Oriental region, to ensure children complete their required immunization schedules. The operation utilizes medical caravans and awareness campaigns to identify and vaccinate children who have missed doses.

Health officials are verifying vaccination records to ensure compliance with the national calendar. Parents are encouraged to visit the Guenfouda rural health center, where staff are conducting catch-up vaccinations alongside routine services. The initiative is part of a broader national campaign to verify vaccination status running from October 28 to November 17.

The program involves the provincial delegation of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, local health service leadership, and civil society associations. Diphtheria is a bacterial disease that can cause severe respiratory and cardiac complications; its presence in areas with established national programs is attributed to specific pockets of under-vaccination.