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Talent Gore
THE Ministry of Health and Child Care yesterday launched a nationwide polio vaccination campaign after the confirmation of circulating poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) in the country.
The Ministry is collaborating with the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, including Rotary International, the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, GAVI-The Vaccine Alliance, WHO and UNICEF in leading the campaign.
It will be implemented in two phases, and aims to reach an estimated 4 million children during each round.
The cVDPV2 has been detected in sewage samples collected in Harare and in three human cases in Mashonaland West and Harare provinces.
The campaign is targeting all children under 10 and aims to rapidly interrupt virus transmission and prevent further outbreaks.
The campaign will utilise the high-quality oral polio vaccines and to ensure wide coverage, it will combine the usual vaccination at health facilities with a door-to-door approach.
Health and Child Care Minister, Dr Douglas Mombeshora, confirmed that poliovirus type 2 had been detected in sewage samples collected in Harare.
“Through routine environmental surveillance, 17 circulating poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) were detected in sewage samples collected in Harare.
“Additionally, through intensified disease surveillance the Ministry of Health and Child Care identified three human cases of polio in Mashonaland West and Harare provinces. Without urgent action, there is a high risk of the spread of polio.
“The detection of cVDPV2 is a serious concern, but we are prepared to respond swiftly and effectively.
“This nationwide vaccination campaign demonstrates our unwavering commitment to protecting the health of every child in Zimbabwe,” said Dr Mombeshora.
He called on all parents and caregivers to get their children vaccinated.
“During this campaign, the Ministry of Health and Child Care, UNICEF and WHO are calling for all parents and caregivers to bring their children under 10 years old for vaccination during the campaign.
“Healthcare workers to be vigilant in identifying and reporting suspected polio cases, and community and religious leaders to support communities during the vaccination campaign and promote public awareness about polio,” he said.
Online Reporter