22 September 2006

By Clifford Mogotsi

FOLLOWING the outbreak of polio in Namibia, Mogale City has joined the national campaign to have all children under the age of five immunized against the disease.

The City is calling on parents to have all children under the age of five immunized against polio at their local clinics.

Polio is an infectious disease that causes sudden paralysis of limbs.

In a press release issued this week, the National Department of Health recommitted itself to global efforts aimed at eradicating the disease by 2008.

Though the National Immunisation Campaign officially takes place from 8 to 14 October, parents have already started queuing for the vaccine at the Mogale City's central clinic.

"We do not only immunise children during the campaign, this is something that we do everyday," said sister Asarva Tlapu, explaining that children are provided with polio drops on a daily basis.

"This year, from April to June, we managed to immunise 27.5% of our children and I urge parents to bring along their children to the clinic," added Tlapu.

The Department of Health also urged parents, guardians and caregivers to take all children under five years of age to their nearest immunisation points.

To spread awareness of the disease, volunteers will be going on a door-to-door campaign and visiting crèches and pre-schools, encouraging parents to protect their kids from the possibility of lifelong paralysis.

Directorate of community services

Municipalities can play a role in improving primary health care