02 October 2002

Bonn, Germany: The United Nations Volunteer (UNV) programme recently assisted in carrying out Timor-Leste's (formerly East Timor) first National Immunization Day (NID) campaign against polio.

UN Volunteers helped vaccinate thousands of local children in the capital Dili under an initiative of the World Health Organization (WHO) and Timor's Ministry of Health.

The immunization campaign was carried out with the cooperation of numerous UN agencies, international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and Catholic church groups. UN representatives and local politicians also attended the event.

Polio is a highly infectious disease caused by virus and mainly affects children under five years old. It invades the nervous system and can cause total paralysis in one hour. There is no cure for polio and can only be prevented through vaccinations.

Currently, 275 UN Volunteers are serving with the United Nations Mission in East Timor (UNMISET) and UN agencies, assisting the country achieve its long-term development and economic goals, and building or strengthening local capacities to support public institutions.

UN Volunteers work in various sectors such as human rights, civil engineering, water and sanitation, forestry and fisheries, public information and taxation.

UNV's operation in East Timor was the largest in the organization's 31-year history. Since 1999, nearly 3,000 UN Volunteers from over 100 countries were mobilized to work in key areas to help the nation achieve independence.