The North West Department of Health joins the rest of the continent in commemorating Africa Vaccination Week from Thursday (24/4) to Wednesday. The department has launched a campaign focused on tracing and inviting parents and guardians of children who may have missed critical immunisation doses.

“Tracking children who missed their immunisations involves systematically identifying and referring those who are not up to date with their recommended vaccinations,” said North West Health MEC, Sello Lehari. 

“This is crucial in preventing serious diseases. Our healthcare workers play a key role during home visits and clinic appointments by checking vaccination records.”

Under the theme “Immunisation for All Is Possible”, the campaign aims to revitalise efforts to increase vaccination coverage and reach zero-dose children, said Health spokesperson Tebogo Lekgethwane, describing the campaign as “a powerful call to action”.

“It affirms that, together, we can reach every last child, strengthen health systems, and restore and expand routine immunisation services disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic. It further aims to reach zero-dose children through accelerated implementation of major catch-up initiatives,” he said.

Lekgethwane added that the week represents a renewed commitment by the World Health Organisation to ensuring equitable access to life-saving vaccines. He said the campaign presents an opportunity to focus on key actions such as: 

• Raising awareness about how immunisation saves lives;
• Increasing vaccination coverage to prevent disease outbreaks;
• Reaching underserved and marginalised communities, particularly in remote or conflict-affected areas; and
• Reinforcing the long-term benefits of immunisation, including better health, educational outcomes, and life prospects for children.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg