27,000 children vaccinated

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: An immunization program set for September and October will target about 27,000 children under five years old in Paniai regency.

Chief of Paniai health ministry office Condro Indarto said the local government needs about Rp 54 million (about US$25,000) to make the program a success.

He said four villages were deeply isolated in the hinterland, which can best be reached by helicopters or light planes.

Health personnel in charge of the immunization program may have to walk for up to 19 days to reach some isolated villages. "With this level of difficulty, it is expected that the program will achieve only 80 percent of the target," he said, as quoted by Antara. (pan)