3 April 2007
In preparation of the upcoming mass Polio and Measles Campaign for 2007,
officials from the national Department of Health visited the province on
Tuesday, 3 April 2007 to conduct specialised training on necessary procedures
and social mobilisation.
Health officials from each of the districts and the private sector attended,
as well as members of the South African National Defence Force, Rotary,
Non-government organisations and retired sisters.
The aim of the campaign is to diminish the number of children that are
susceptible to polio and measles and to ensure that South Africa does not
experience a similar outbreak to what Namibia experienced last year, therefore
all children under five will be targeted nationwide.
The first round of the campaign is scheduled to kick off from 6-12 May,
whilst the second round will be conducted from 10-16 June 2007.
All children under the age of five are required to be inoculated against
polio, whilst all children between 9-59 months should also be inoculated
against measles.
Children represent the most vulnerable segment of society and therefore
protection from infectious diseases is one of the greatest benefits that
Government can ensure for every child, as immunisation plays a major part in
providing protection, as well as ensuring survival, growth and development of
children.
For the campaign to be effective, it is important that coverage of 95% be
reached in all districts.
Enquiries:
Shelley Fielding
Tel: (053) 830 2000
Cell: 083 701 7191
Issued by: Department of Health, Northern Cape Provincial Government
3 April 2007
