The Omusati Region has launched its Polio Vaccination Campaign as part of the nationwide polio immunisation drive.

The four-day vaccination campaign, which aims to immunise all children under the age of 10, will be rolled out throughout the region.

The campaign comes on the backdrop of a polio type 2 strain detected through routine environmental surveillance in November last year.

Children who are fully vaccinated through routine immunisation services must still receive the polio drops during this campaign.

These additional doses are safe, provided free of charge and vital to boost immunity and protect wider communities.

The Governor of the Omusati Region, Immanuel Shikongo, presided over the administering of the vaccine drops to some children during the campaign launch. 

"Let us all make it our responsibility to disseminate information pertaining to the detected polio in the country; therefore, let us all help healthcare workers in ensuring that all our children are immunised with the polio doses."

Acting regional health director Helena Xwepo urged parents, guardians and carers to take their children to various vaccination points within the region.

She commended healthcare workers for their commitment and dedication towards national health safety.

"To all our healthcare workers, thank you for your commitment, your dedication and your teamwork since day one. Let us go out there and ensure that the community is mobilised, and let's make sure that we vaccinate all the children so that we can eradicate it in our country."

Meanwhile, Junias Amunkete, councillor of Tsandi Constituency, highlighted key interventions made to reclaim the country's hard-earned polio-free status.

He further urged the community to join hands in the fight against polio.

"I call upon traditional leaders, religious leaders, my colleagues, honourable councillors (both regional and local), teachers and other community leaders and influencers to actively support this campaign by sharing accurate information, addressing concerns and encouraging full participation with the communities."