Sandra Phiri
The Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MoPSE), is currently conducting periodic rounds of polio vaccinations until November 29, 2024.
The polio vaccination campaign aims to bolster immunity against the circulating poliovirus variant recently detected in Zimbabwe. Children under the age of 10 are eligible to receive the improved novel Oral Polio Vaccine type 2 (nOPV2).
“To combat the poliovirus, the Government of Zimbabwe is collaborating with neighboring countries, including Burundi, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Zambia, to protect children under 10 from this contagious disease,” stated the MoHCC.
During the third round of vaccinations, health teams will visit homes, schools, health centers, markets, churches, bus stations, and other public places to administer the nOPV2 drops to eligible children. Health workers will use finger markers to ensure that all children are vaccinated.
The MoHCC emphasized the importance of polio vaccination, noting that the disease can lead to paralysis or death in unvaccinated children.
