Ministry of Health and Social Services has rolled out a special Polio Vaccination Campaign Targets Children in Kavango Regions
By TUW
In response, the Ministry of Health and Social Services has rolled out a special polio vaccination campaign running from 15 to 18 December, aimed at protecting all children under the age of 10, irrespective of their previous vaccination history.
The campaign is being implemented in the Kavango East and Kavango West regions following the recent detection of type 2 poliovirus through environmental surveillance. Health authorities say the move is a precautionary step to prevent any potential spread of the virus and to safeguard children’s health.
The World Health Organisation has supported the initiative with a financial contribution of N$2.1 million, which is being used to strengthen vaccination activities and ensure adequate coverage across the two regions.
Kavango East Governor Hamunyera Hambyuka officially launched the campaign by vaccinating the first group of children, highlighting the importance of collective action in protecting young lives from preventable diseases.
The ministry has appealed to parents, caregivers and community leaders to cooperate with vaccination teams to ensure every eligible child is reached. Teams have been deployed at fixed vaccination points, while mobile units are also conducting door-to-door visits in both urban and rural areas.
Namibia has been polio-free since 2006, and officials emphasise that the current campaign is part of ongoing efforts to maintain that status and respond swiftly to any potential public health risks.
