More than 800 000 children in Gauteng have received the first dose of polio and measles vaccine since the launch of the national Polio and Measles Immunisation campaign two weeks ago.
The campaign, which was launched by national Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi and Gauteng Health and Social Development MEC, Qedani Mahlangu, is part of the World Health Organisation's (WHO) plan to eradicate polio and eliminate measles.
During the first phase of the campaign a total 417 266 children under the age of five have received the first dose of polio while 405 725 children from 6 months to 15 years have received the measles vaccine.
Gauteng MEC for Health and Social Development, Qedani Mahlangu has again appealed to parents to cooperate by signing and returning the consent form to schools and crèches for children to be immunised.
As part of marking the last day of the first phase of the campaign tomorrow, a large contingent of senior officials from the department's head office will take part in the immunisation of children in Metsweding region.
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 one million children will be immunised in Gauteng during this campaign.
Enquiries:
Mandla Sidu
Cell: 082 773 9013
Issued by: Department of Health and Social Development, Gauteng Provincial Government
22 April 2010
