Chantelle Muzanenhamo
The Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC), in partnership with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MoPSE), has announced the launch of periodic rounds of polio vaccinations from November 26 to November 29, 2024.
This initiative will utilize an improved vaccine known as the novel Oral Polio Vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) to enhance protection for children against the circulating poliovirus variant recently detected in the country.
According to a report posted on the Ministry of Health and Child Care’s official Facebook page, the Government of Zimbabwe (GoZ) is collaborating with other African countries, including Burundi, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Zambia, to implement comprehensive measures against this contagious disease affecting children under the age of 10.
During this third vaccination round, health teams will be deployed to various locations, including homes, schools, health centers, markets, churches, bus stations, and other public areas to administer drops of nOPV2. Health workers will also employ finger markers to track vaccinations, ensuring that every child under 10 years is visited and immunized.
Authorities are keen to underline the importance of this campaign, emphasizing that polio is a severe disease that can lead to paralysis or even death in children if preventive measures are not taken.
Therefore, parents and guardians are urged to ensure that their children are vaccinated during this critical campaign.
As the November vaccination dates approach, the Government is calling on all citizens to participate in the campaign, reinforcing the collective effort needed to protect the health and future of Zimbabwe’s children.