Every District (RED) strategy
27 September 2006
Following the recent outbreak of wild poliovirus in Namibia, the national
Department of Health put in place high alert measures to prevent any possible
importation of the disease into South Africa. In July 2006, an emergency polio
immunisation campaign was conducted in three districts where there was less
than 80% trivalent oral poliomyelitis vaccine (TOPV3) immunisation coverage,
namely Namakwa (Northern Cape), Amathole (Eastern Cape) and Metsweding
(Gauteng).
The national Department of Health in consultation with the National
Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICDs) and the World Health Organisation
(WHO) decided to conduct a national polio campaign from 8 � 14 October 2006,
and again during May and June 2007. The aim of the campaign is to ensure that
South Africa does not experience a similar outbreak and therefore all children
under five years will be targeted nationwide. Children represent the most
vulnerable segment of our society and therefore protection from infectious
diseases is one of the greatest benefits that any government can ensure for
every child.
Launching both the RED strategy and the National Immunisation Campaign will
contribute towards strengthening immunisation coverage. For the campaign to be
effective, it is important that coverage of 95% be reached in all
districts.
An open invitation is extended to one and all to attend the launch of the
polio immunisation programme and the RED strategy at the Noxova Village Primary
School sports grounds, near Libode on Monday, 2 October 2006, at 10h30. High
profile delegations of dignitaries with representatives from national,
provincial and local government departments, as well as non-governmental
organisations are expected to be present.
Details:
Date: 2 October 2006
Venue: Noxolo Village in Libode
Contact:
Nokwanda Kakana
Cell: 083 378 0139
Email: mthikazi.kakana@impilo.ecprov.gov.za
Enquiries:
M Ndara
Tel: (040) 609 3713
Cell: 083 378 0157
Issued by: Department of Health, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
27 September 2006
Source: Eastern Cape Provincial Government (http://www.ecprov.gov.za)
