26/11/2013 18:26
Immunisation begins in the Philippines
Around 33,000 children are to be immunised against measles and polio in typhoon-hit Tacloban city, the BBC reported.
The World Health Organization, which is supporting the government campaign, fears possible outbreaks of disease.
More than 5,000 people were killed when typhoon Haiyan battered the central Philippines.
Huge numbers - including many children - were left homeless, and many are surviving in cramped, unhygienic conditions in damaged buildings.
These "displacement centres", which include dilapidated schools or community buildings, were sturdier than people's homes, and more able to withstand the battering from the typhoon.
But, over-run by homeless people, they have created the perfect environment for the spread of disease.
Tarik Jasarevic, spokesperson for the World Health Organization's emergency relief team said: "Measles is a viral infection that spreads very, very fast.
"When you have an over crowded setting, there is a risk of infection.
"It is enough to have one case and then we would probably see very fast transmission.
"Therefore, it is very important we prevent this before it happens."
The aim is to immunise all under-fives in Tacloban City. The children will be given polio drops and measles injections.
More than a hundred medics are expected to be involved in the first day of vaccinations. Around 40 will be from the Philippines, the rest will be from mostly European countries including Spain and Germany.
The children will also be checked for malnutrition and given vitamin A drops to help boost their immune systems.