Statement Attributable to Carolyn McAskie, Emergency Relief Coordinator a.i., on Democratic Republic of the Congo

LETHAL ATTACK STOPS POLIO VACCINATION IN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO
I was deeply saddened and shocked by the brutal attack last Sunday July 9 on a vehicle transporting relief workers from the International Medical Corps (IMC) which resulted in the death of the health center supervisor and the wounding of several staff members and local vaccinators. Armed men opened fire on the vehicle while at a checkpoint near Uvira in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on the third day of the polio immunization campaign in this region. As a result of this unwarranted and vicious attack on humanitarian personnel, the IMC has decided to suspend its immunization activities in the country.

The 2000 National Immunization Days (NIDs) were initiated after the warring parties agreed to honor a request made recently by the United Nations Secretary-General to stop fighting in most areas of this country ravaged by war so that some 10 million children could be vaccinated. This conflict continues to result in the death and wounding of hundreds of civilians, most of whom are children, who have become daily victims of targeted and brutal acts of violence.

The ERC, a.i. calls on the Government of the DRC, and all parties involved in the current fighting in the eastern part of the country, to adhere to their commitment to enable relief workers to operate safely and to ensure that those responsible for this cowardly act are brought to justice. Assurances for the safety of relief workers are vital to proceed with the second and third phases of this campaign which are required to ensure effective immunization among children.

This campaign is part of ongoing efforts led by the World Health Organization and UNICEF in close collaboration with Non-Governmental Organizations and local authorities to eradicate polio worldwide. The DRC and neighbouring Angola are two of the highest priorities for the global polio eradication effort. War and violent attacks against relief workers are the greatest hurdles facing the global campaign.

For further information please contact:

Rosa Malango, 1212-963-2380, OCHA, New York
Donato Kiniger-Passigli, 4122-917-2653, OCHA, Geneva