Zimbabwe’s health authorities have launched an urgent vaccination campaign to combat a growing polio outbreak in the southern region. Using the Novel Oral Polio Vaccine (NOPV), the initiative aims to protect children under ten following confirmed cases in Kadoma and Harare.
Recent environmental surveillance confirmed the circulation of the wild polio virus in Zimbabwe. In one alarming case, a child traveling from Kadoma to Harare’s Mbare area was left paralyzed, underlining the seriousness of the outbreak.
Rumbidzai Chikwanha, the Health Promotional Officer in Zvishavane said they are prioritizing herd immunity by targeting 95% vaccination coverage among children under ten in areas such as Zvishavane.
The first vaccination round runs from November 26 to 29, with a follow-up round in January.
Children aged 0-5 years are particularly vulnerable, and health teams will conduct house-to-house visits and set up vaccination sites in schools, urban centers, and markets to ensure no child is left behind. Authorities are also using radio and community messaging to inform parents and guardians about the campaign.
A single confirmed polio case is considered an outbreak, and with a history of low vaccination coverage in some areas, health experts emphasize the importance of immunization. The NOPV, administered orally, is critical in building immunity and halting the spread of this highly contagious disease.
Parents are urged to ensure their children receive the vaccine during this critical campaign as Zimbabwe pushes to eradicate polio and protect its youngest citizens.
