Dr Mombeshora administering the polio vaccine
By Lisca Philo
The Ministry of Health and Child Care, in partnership with UNICEF, the World Health Organization, and various stakeholders, has announced the commencement of an expansive nationwide polio vaccination campaign in Zimbabwe.
This ambitious campaign is designed to eradicate polio by deploying the novel OPV2 vaccine, specifically targeting children under 10 years of age throughout the country.
The vaccination drive will be carried out in two phases, aiming to reach at least 4 million children during each round. To ensure maximum coverage, the vaccination will be administered door-to-door by trained health facilitators.
The detection of the polio virus type 2 in sewage samples collected in Harare through environmental surveillance, along with the identification of another case in Mashonaland West through intensified disease surveillance, has forced health authorities to take highetened response to this outbreak.
Dr. Douglas Mombeshora, the Honorable Minister of Health and Child Care, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “The detection of cVOPV2 is a serious concern, but we are prepared to respond swiftly and effectively.”
He further affirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the health of every child in Zimbabwe through this nationwide campaign.
Zimbabwe’s adoption of the novel OPV2 vaccine marks a significant step forward in the fight against polio. This safe and effective tool, endorsed by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, has already demonstrated success in several African countries, including Ethiopia, Benin, the Congo Republic, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone.
The success of this ambitious polio eradication campaign hinges on the active engagement of parents and caregivers. Efforts are underway to ensure widespread public awareness and motivation for vaccination among communities.
This monumental undertaking has been made possible through the generous support of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, including partners such as Rotary International, the US Center for Disease Control, the World Health Organization, and UNICEF, among others.
Healthcare workers have been urged to exercise heightened vigilance in identifying and reporting suspected polio cases. Additionally, community and religious leaders are encouraged to lend their support to the vaccination campaign and promote public awareness initiatives aimed at combating polio.
