Afrigather By Tatenda Chimbwanda
Mazowe, Zimbabwe – On 25 Could 2023, high-level officers from the World Well being Group (WHO), United Nations Kids’s Fund (UNICEF), and the International Polio Eradication Initiative (GEPI) visited the Henderson Clinic in Mazowe, Mashonaland Central Province to observe the progress and high quality of the third spherical of the nationwide polio vaccination marketing campaign in Zimbabwe. The marketing campaign is a part of the sub-regional synchronized supplementary immunization actions (SIAs) geared toward defending kids in opposition to polio. This vaccination marketing campaign is a complete multi- nation response to the polio outbreaks reported in Malawi and Mozambique.
The marketing campaign, aimed to vaccinate all kids underneath the age of 5 in opposition to the poliovirus, is a part of Zimbabwe’s effort to eradicate the virus, which may trigger paralysis and even loss of life. The third spherical of the nationwide polio vaccination marketing campaign carried out from 23-27 Could is anticipated to succeed in 2,641,846 million kids underneath the age of 5 within the nation. It included door-to-door the place vaccinators visited households to vaccinate eligible kids. As well as, kids had been vaccinated in any respect well being amenities throughout the nation and at typical outreach factors. Energetic case discovering for any youngster with sudden weak spot of any limb was additionally finished as a part of monitoring for Polio.
The Mashonaland Central Provincial Nursing Officer, Mrs Chinyama, expressed her deep gratitude, emphasizing the motivating impact of the UNICEF and WHO representatives’ high-level help go to. “It’s at all times heartwarming to obtain such appreciation and help from UNICEF and WHO. We’re humbled by their go to and their continued help, which actually motivates all of us as well being staff,” she stated.
The go to by the UNICEF and WHO Nation Representatives highlighted the significance of making certain that the marketing campaign is carried out successfully and effectively. Through the go to, the officers met with the Ministry of Well being and Baby Care (MoHCC) provincial management, district management, healthcare staff, noticed the vaccination course of, and supplied steering and help to make sure that the marketing campaign was of top of the range. Additionally they interacted with caregivers, emphasizing the significance of bringing their kids to clinics for vaccination to make sure that they’re protected in opposition to polio.
Professor Jean- Marie Dangou, WHO Zimbabwe’s consultant counseled the MoHCC Zimbabwe for its excellent efforts within the polio marketing campaign. He pressured the significance of reaching all kids, particularly these in hard-to-reach areas, to make sure that they’re vaccinated.
Dr. Tajudeen Oyewale, the UNICEF Zimbabwe Consultant, additionally expressed his help for the marketing campaign, stating that “UNICEF stays dedicated to supporting the Authorities of Zimbabwe in its efforts to eradicate polio.” He emphasised the significance of group involvement within the marketing campaign, stating that “the collaboration and efforts by mother and father/ care givers, group well being staff and group leaders stay vital with a view to attain all kids with the polio vaccine.”
Dr Abdelrahim Khalid, the GEPI Coordinator for Zimbabwe collaborating within the subject go to, counseled the efforts of all stakeholders concerned within the marketing campaign and urged continued collaboration to make sure its success.
The WHO and UNICEF has been offering important technical help to the MoHCC, together with steering on planning and coordinating supplementary immunization actions, growing supplementary immunization actions tips, and offering coaching for vaccinators, Impartial Displays, and Lot High quality Assurance Sampling surveyors. To additional help the marketing campaign, the WHO deployed technical officers to every of the ten provinces earlier than the implementation of the supplementary immunization actions, offering on-the-job supervision throughout all pre-implementation actions, making certain oversight of the vaccination marketing campaign itself. Through the marketing campaign, these officers supported monitoring of progress utilizing normal instruments together with completion and submission of knowledge to the nationwide stage. These efforts are essential in making certain the success of the vaccination marketing campaign and defending kids from the devastating results of polio.
