Sea nomads prioritized<\/p>\n
KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: The province promised to
\nprioritize children of the Bajau ethnic group, a nomadic people
\nin the region, in its last day of the National Immunization
\nProgram (PIN) on Oct. 7, Antara reported.<\/p>\n
The agency quoted Dr. Mohammad Ali of the local health office
\nas saying that the Bajau constantly moved from one island to
\nanother, so that it became a problem to contact them.<\/p>\n
\"We never had a problem reaching the other ethnic groups
\nbecause they already knew the aim of this polio immunization
\nprogram,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Usually the sea nomads choose rich fishing waters because they
\nwork as fishermen. They process their salted fish and then move
\non to places where they can market their goods.<\/p>\n
The authorities have to monitor the group's movements and have
\nadvised them to stay in one place at the time they are scheduled
\nto receive immunizations.<\/p>\n
\"We recruit health officials from the Bajau group in order to
\nfacilitate communication,\" Ali said.<\/p>\n
The first round of polio and measles immunizations for
\nchildren under five years old was held on Aug. 2. For the second
\nround, health officials have started informing the sea nomads to
\ncome to the floating post on Oct. 7.<\/p>\n
There are 2,110 immunization posts in 839 villages in
\nSoutheast Sulawesi, which are supported by 2,034 health officials
\nand 6,511 volunteers.<\/p>\n
They will give polio vaccines to 204,800 babies under five
\nyears old; measles immunizations to 26,107 babies; and tetanus
\nimmunizations to 53,625 women between the ages of 15 and 39.<\/p>\n
Authorities have distributed 28,158 vials of polio vaccine;
\n5,220 vials of measles vaccine; 9,835 vials of Tetanus Toxoid
\nvaccine; and freezers and thermos bottles. (swe)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/sea-nomads-prioritized-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}