Sea nomads prioritized

Sea nomads prioritized

KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: The province promised to
prioritize children of the Bajau ethnic group, a nomadic people
in the region, in its last day of the National Immunization
Program (PIN) on Oct. 7, Antara reported.

The agency quoted Dr. Mohammad Ali of the local health office
as saying that the Bajau constantly moved from one island to
another, so that it became a problem to contact them.

"We never had a problem reaching the other ethnic groups
because they already knew the aim of this polio immunization
program," he said.

Usually the sea nomads choose rich fishing waters because they
work as fishermen. They process their salted fish and then move
on to places where they can market their goods.

The authorities have to monitor the group's movements and have
advised them to stay in one place at the time they are scheduled
to receive immunizations.

"We recruit health officials from the Bajau group in order to
facilitate communication," Ali said.

The first round of polio and measles immunizations for
children under five years old was held on Aug. 2. For the second
round, health officials have started informing the sea nomads to
come to the floating post on Oct. 7.

There are 2,110 immunization posts in 839 villages in
Southeast Sulawesi, which are supported by 2,034 health officials
and 6,511 volunteers.

They will give polio vaccines to 204,800 babies under five
years old; measles immunizations to 26,107 babies; and tetanus
immunizations to 53,625 women between the ages of 15 and 39.

Authorities have distributed 28,158 vials of polio vaccine;
5,220 vials of measles vaccine; 9,835 vials of Tetanus Toxoid
vaccine; and freezers and thermos bottles. (swe)