Despite the challenges encountered since the launch of the measles and polio immunisation campaign about a week ago, the Department of Health is encouraged by the response shown by parents so far.
As of 16 April about 5,9 million under 15 year old children (for measles) and 1,9 million children (zero to 59 months for polio) have been reached during the campaign. The campaign was launched by the health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi and his Gauteng counterpart MEC Qedani Mahlangu in Benoni on 12 April as part of the department's programme of reducing morbidity and mortality among the young children.
Despite this encouraging progress however, the department still appeals to parents, care givers, community leaders, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and everyone concerned to ensure every child in the affected age group is immunised accordingly as immunisation for children is a non-negotiable right.
It is unacceptable in our country that any child should die as a result of diseases that are preventable through simple immunisation. Some of the challenges encountered in rolling out the campaign included the recent labour disruptions in certain Metros and the impact on healthcare services delivery there.
Taking into account progress made thus far, the department has decided to extend the campaign to 7 May as part of ensuring that many more children are reached during this short period. This however does not mean that beyond this period the department will cease its routine expanded immunisation programme.
For more information please contact:
Fidel Hadebe
Tel: 012 312 0663
Cell: 079 517 3333
Issued by: Department of Health
22 April 2010
