National Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has called on parents and guardians of children under 15 years to ensure that their children are immunised for Polio and Measles. The Minister said this during the launch of the national polio and measles immunisation campaign at Benoni West Primary school, Ekurhuleni today.
Minister Motsoaledi who was accompanied by Gauteng Health and Social Development MEC, Qedani Mahlangu and the World Health Organisation representatives, said parents who fail to get their children immunised were putting their children and the broader community at risk.
“According to the International Convention, every child has a right to proper health care, and immunisation is part of that. By ensuring that children are immunised, parents are not only complying, but helping to curb the outbreaks of such diseases,” he said.
The first phase of the campaign will see the first dose of polio for children from 0-59 months and the measles vaccine for children from six months to 15 years will be administered. The second phase of the campaign will be conducted from 24 May 2010 when a second dose of polio drops and vitamin A and deworming will be given.
More than 1 million children will be immunised in Gauteng during this campaign.
Encouraging parents, MEC Mahlangu said “We urge parents to sign consent forms and return them to the relevant schools and crèches for their children to be immunised.” She added that vaccinations are vital for children’s growth and protects their vulnerable bodies against diseases.
Enquiries:
Mandla Sidu
Cell: 082 773 9013
Issued by: Department of Health and Social Development, Gauteng Provincial Government
12 April 2010
