Children across Bulawayo will receive polio vaccines next week as health officials launch their fourth major immunisation campaign in the city.
The campaign aims to protect all children aged up to 10 years old against the potentially deadly virus, following a successful previous round that saw vaccination rates exceed 100%.
“The vaccine will be given from the 4th to the 7th of February 2025. Vaccines will be given at all Municipal clinics, Central hospitals, Mater Dei hospital, selected private surgeries offering vaccination, Crèches, Primary schools, marketplaces, churches, Bus termini, and Outreach points including house-to-house,” said Town Clerk Christopher Dube in a statement.
The initiative follows November’s campaign which achieved 108% coverage – surpassing the target of 95%.
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Officials credit this success to strong community awareness about polio’s risks.
Polio is a dangerous disease that can cause irreversible paralysis and even death. The virus spreads mainly through the faecal-oral route, or occasionally through contaminated water or food.
Initial symptoms include fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, neck stiffness, and limb pain. One in 200 cases can lead to permanent paralysis, often affecting the legs.
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