8 May 2007
The Department of Health and Social Development in Limpopo has managed to
record the highest percentage of the target coverage of polio immunisation
campaign. The national target was at 95% and Limpopo achieved 98,4%. The polio
outbreak in Namibia in May-June 2006 prompted the national Department of Health
with recommendations from United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) and World
Health Organisation (WHO) to call for a national immunisation campaign last
month. The mass immunisation campaign targeted children up to five years of age
because of their vulnerability.
Polio is a crippling disease. It is caused by a very small germ called the
polio virus. Polio can lead to permanent lameness, deformity and even death.
Polio can be suspected when there is sudden weakness of the leg or arm or both
or other parts of the body.
The total population of children under five years of age in Limpopo is at
626 255 and the number of children immunised during the campaign is at 615 622.
The department is appealing to the communities to report any sudden
weakness/paralysis in a child under 15 years (not caused by injury), to the
nearest clinic, hospital or doctor for investigation.
For more information:
Phuti Seloba
Cell: 082 807 0796
Tel: 015 293 6053
Issued by: Department of Health and Social Development, Limpopo Provincial
Government
8 May 2007
Source: Limpopo Provincial Government (http://www.limpopo.gov.za)
