Health ministry launches final polio vaccination push

Staff Reporter THE Ministry of Health and Social Services will roll out the third round of the national polio vaccination campaign from 27 to 30 April across Namibia, aimed at boosting immunity among children and preventing the spread of the highly infectious virus. Speaking during an interview at the Omusati Government Information Sharing Centre, Chief Health Programme Officer for the Omusati Region, Sister Ipinge, said polio remains a serious public health threat that can cause lifelong paralysis or even death, but is preventable through vaccination. She explained that the virus spreads easily from person to person, mainly through the faecal-oral route, often in areas with poor hygiene and sanitation, where contaminated food, water, or surfaces are ingested. Sister Ipinge added that symptoms of polio may initially resemble common illnesses, including fever, sore throat, headache, vomiting, fatigue, and stomach pain, while some infected individuals may show no symptoms but can still transmit the virus. Reflecting on previous vaccination rounds, she said Omusati recorded strong coverage, with 98,027 children reached in the first round, representing 110% of the target, and 93,106 children in the second round, representing 104%. Sister Ipinge said that the third round is critical to further strengthen immunity and curb the spread of the virus, particularly following its detection through environmental surveillance in Rundu, Windhoek, and Opuwo. She assured parents and caregivers that the vaccine is safe and effective, adding that children who missed earlier rounds can still be vaccinated during this phase. Vaccination points will be available across the Omusati Region, including at schools, community halls, markets, and shopping centres. Parents and caregivers have been urged to ensure that all eligible children receive the vaccine to protect both individuals and the wider community from the disease. Photo: MICT Omusati The post Health ministry launches final polio vaccination push appeared first on Informanté .