Polio vaccination campaign in full swing

The rollout of a nationwide polio vaccination campaign aimed at children under 10 years of age commenced on 26 January.

Jonas A-Jay Angombe (15 months old) became the first recipient of the vaccine at the Lüderitz State Hospital. He received the drops from Nurse Natasha Simon, who administered the vaccine to him in the presence of the mayor of the harbour town, Brigitte Fredericks, and a large crowd. “Today marks an important step in our shared responsibility to protect the health and future of our children. The rollout of this polio vaccination campaign reaffirms our commitment to ensuring that no child is left vulnerable to a disease that is entirely preventable,” Fredericks said.

The mayor stressed that polio remains a threat wherever children are not fully immunised. “This campaign is not just about vaccines. It is about hope, protection and our collective duty to safeguard the next generation. I am therefore urging all parents and caregivers to present their children for immunisation and to support vaccination teams as they go from house to house. Let us work together to ensure full coverage in every community.”

The campaign is being done over two rounds, from 26 to 29 January and from 24 to 27 February.

Vaccination will be offered at health facilities, fixed and outreach sites and through door-to-door visits by trained teams. 

PHOTOS: Otis Daniels and Hardap Regional Office Information Ministry