National Immunization Campaign

08 May 2007

The Department of Health and Social Development in Limpopo has managed to record the highest percentage of the target coverage of Polio Immunization campaign. The National target was at 95 percent and Limpopo achieved 98, 4 percent. The Polio outbreak in Namibia in May-June 2006 prompted the National Department of health with recommendations from UNICEF and WHO to call for a National Immunization Campaign last month. The mass immunization campaign targeted children up to 5 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 5 years of age in Limpopo is at 626 255 and the number of children immunized 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 contact Phuti Seloba on 082 807 0796 or 015 293 6053