Andrew
Online Reporter
Government, through the Ministry of Health and Child Care, on Wednesday launched a polio vaccination campaign targeting children under the age of five.
The first round of the polio vaccination campaign is scheduled to run between October 27 and October 30.
The second round will run from December 1 to December 4.
Polio oral vaccine is free for every child.
Speaking at the launch, Health and Child Care Deputy Minister Dr John Mangwiro said following the detection of confirmed polio cases in neighbouring countries, there are high chances of cross-border spread of the disease.
“We share strong social and economic activities with the affected countries, hence the vaccination drive to protect children below five years as they are at risk,” said Dr Mangwiro.
Speaking at the same event, World Health Organisation (WHO) country representative, Dr Alex Gasasira, commended Government for its ongoing interventions to protect children and eliminate polio.
“I am delighted that Zimbabwe has taken great strides to eliminate polio. Parents should take advantage of this initiative and present their children for vaccination regardless of their religion,” Dr Gasasira said.
Zimbabwe has been polio-free since 1989, thanks to a robust routine immunisation programme and a culture of acceptance.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter