7 May 2007
Northern Cape MEC for Health, Ms Shiwe Selao, officially launched the
provincial leg of the mass polio and measles campaign on 7 May 2007.
The aim of the campaign is to diminish the number of children that are
susceptible to polio and measles, especially in light of the polio outbreak
that Namibia experienced last year. Therefore, all children under the age of
five will be targeted.
According to Selao, a total of 116 002 children under five years of age are
due to receive polio drops in the province, whilst a total of 99 689 children
between nine and 59 months are expected to receive the measles vaccination in
the province.
She further indicated that for the campaign to be effective, it is important
that coverage of 95% be reached in all districts and thus urged parents and
elders to ensure that their children are taken to the various immunisation
points, which include all clinics.
"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".
She further said that polio has not presented itself in South Africa in a
number of years and it is essential that we continue to take action so as to
stop the virus from crossing the borders into South Africa. In terms of
measles, she indicated that we should also strive to completely eradicate this
disease.
In 2006, four measles cases were reported in the province, three of which
were children. So far this year, one case of measles was reported, also in a
child. The mass campaign will continue up until Friday and will see
participation by 221 health officials and 484 volunteers, including members of
Rotary.
Immunisation points will be set up in certain rural areas and meetings were
held with farmers unions, so that they bring farm children to the nearest
points. All children under the age of five are required to be inoculated
against polio, whilst all children between 9 to 59 months should also be
inoculated against measles. Furthermore, children under the age of five, who
have already received these vaccinations more than two weeks prior to the
campaign, should also present at immunisation stations to receive booster
shots.
The second round of the campaign will be conducted from 10 to 16 June 2007,
whereby polio vaccinations will continue. Finger marking will take place for
both the first and second rounds of vaccinations.
Enquiries:
Shelley Fielding
Cell: 083 701 7191
Issued by: Department of Health, Northern Cape Provincial Government
7 May 2007
