Loraine Phiri
In an inspiring battle against the paralyzing polio virus, Bulawayo is set to launch its Round 4 National Novel Oral Polio Vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) campaign.
With a remarkable 108% vaccination coverage in the last round, the city aims to vaccinate 95% of its children under 10 in this new initiative, starting tomorrow and running through February 7, 2025.
Following the overwhelming success of the previous round, Bulawayo is not resting on its laurels. The City of Bulawayo, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Child Care and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, has rolled out an extensive plan to continue this momentum.
Bulawayo Town Clerk Christopher Dube emphasized the community’s role in this public health triumph. “After achieving a 108% coverage in our last drive, surpassing the expected target, we urge you to get your child vaccinated for extra protection against polio,” Dube stated. His call to action is clear: community involvement is key to eradicating polio in Bulawayo.
Understanding the importance of accessibility, the campaign’s strategy includes distributing vaccines across numerous points. “Vaccines will be available at municipal clinics, central hospitals, Mater Dei hospital, selected private surgeries, crèches, primary schools, marketplaces, churches, bus termini, and through outreach including house-to-house visits,” Dube explained. This broad distribution network ensures no child is left behind.
Polio, or poliomyelitis, remains a formidable foe. It’s a highly infectious disease that primarily impacts children under five, potentially leading to paralysis or death. The virus spreads through contaminated food, water, or direct contact, making vaccination not just a health measure but a critical community safeguard.
Bulawayo’s campaign is part of a larger narrative in the global fight to eradicate polio. Since vaccines were first introduced in the mid-20th century, significant strides have been made, but vigilance is still necessary. This local effort in Bulawayo contributes directly to the worldwide goal of a polio-free world, ensuring every child has the opportunity for a healthy start in life.
The success of this campaign hinges on continued community engagement and institutional support. By aiming for a polio-free Bulawayo, this initiative not only protects local children but also plays a vital role in the global eradication of polio.
