BCC to conduct second round of polio vaccinations in June

Bulawayo City Council (BCC) says it will conduct a second round of polio vaccinations in June as part of a regional campaign to prevent the spread of a vaccine-derived poliovirus strain detected in Malawi.

The first round of vaccinations was conducted from 20 to 23 April 2026. BCC has now confirmed that it will carry out the second round from 2 to 5 June 2026.

The campaign, being implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC), targets all children under the age of five with the Novel Oral Polio Vaccine type 2 (nOPV2).

Health authorities say the outbreak in Malawi involves circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2), detected through environmental surveillance. The strain has been genetically linked to previous transmission recorded in Harare Metropolitan Province in July 2023, prompting countries in the region to intensify preventive measures.

Zimbabwe’s response is being synchronised with Malawi, Zambia, Mozambique and Botswana to reduce the risk of cross-border transmission.

Officials say synchronised campaigns are critical in boosting population immunity and rapidly interrupting outbreaks, particularly in high-risk and border districts.

In Matabeleland North, the campaign covers Hwange, Binga and Tsholotsho. In Matabeleland South, it includes Bulilima, Mangwe, Matobo and Gwanda.

Other targeted districts are Chiredzi in Masvingo Province; Kariba and Hurungwe in Mashonaland West; Mudzi in Mashonaland East; and Mbire, Mt Darwin, Rushinga and Centenary in Mashonaland Central.

In Manicaland, the vaccination drive is taking place in Mutasa, Mutare, Chimanimani, Chipinge and Nyanga, while Harare Province includes Harare, Epworth, Ruwa and Chitungwiza.

Bulawayo was selected because of its high population density and busy transport routes, which health officials say increase the risk of virus transmission.

Within the city, vaccination teams are expected to cover Emakhandeni, the Northern Suburbs and Nkulumane.

The council has urged parents and guardians to ensure that children under five receive the vaccine during the June round.

The vaccine will be administered at municipal clinics, central hospitals, Mater Dei Hospital, private surgeries offering vaccination services, crèches, primary schools, marketplaces, churches, bus termini and through outreach programmes, including door-to-door visits.

Officials have appealed for public cooperation to ensure high coverage and prevent further spread of the virus.