Kawambwa District Launches Novel Oral Polio Vaccination Campaign

The Kawambwa district has commenced a comprehensive novel oral polio vaccination campaign, aiming to immunize over 478,500 children under five years of age. 

The campaign was officially launched at Muyembe Rural Health Centre, graced by Kawambwa Town Council Deputy Chairperson Daniel Mulenga, Sub-Chief Muyembe, and Kawambwa District Health Director Dr. Lweendo Munzele.

Deputy Chairperson Mulenga highlighted Zambia’s significant progress in combating polio, urging citizens to ensure every child is protected from this deadly disease.

He emphasized the necessity of maintaining vigilance despite the persistent threat of polio.

Prompted by the recent detection of polio virus type 2 in the Copperbelt, the Ministry of Health, alongside supporting partners, initiated this supplementary immunization activity (SIA) starting July 29, 2024. 

The campaign employs a house-to-house strategy, with health workers visiting homes to administer vaccines, aiming to bolster population immunity.

Dr. Munzele stressed the crucial role of community participation in the campaign’s success. 

He appealed to all residents to collaborate with health workers and ensure that all eligible children receive the vaccine, underscoring the urgency to prevent further polio spread in the region.

“The cooperation of every resident is vital,” Dr. Munzele stated. “We need to work hand in hand to protect our children and eradicate this disease.”