Rissony Gembo
The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) launched a polio vaccination campaign as an emergency response following the outbreak of poliovirus type 2 in Rundu, Kavango Eastern Region, late last year.
Laboratory investigations have confirmed that these cases are genetically related to infections reported in neighboring Angola.
In response, the ministry, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other stakeholders, launched a community vaccination campaign targeting children aged birth to 10 years. The campaign will use the new oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2), which is administered as an intravenous drip and is specifically designed to prevent outbreaks of poliovirus type 2.
Poliovirus is primarily transmitted through the feces of an infected person and ingested by others, especially in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene.
The ministry is rolling out a nationwide campaign in two parts. The first round began yesterday and will run until Wednesday, while the second round will be held from February 4 to 27, 2026.
Penda Isindi, Director-General of the Ministry of Health and Social Services, called on parents and all stakeholders to actively support this campaign to ensure that children receive both vaccines and to keep Namibia polio-free.
Vaccination teams will be deployed across the country and will conduct door-to-door operations at fixed and mobile vaccination points, as well as primary schools and medical facilities.
Parents and carers are encouraged to co-operate with vaccination teams by presenting their child’s health passport where possible.
Isindi stressed that vaccines are safe, free and lifesaving, adding that even in children who have already been vaccinated, repeated doses strengthen immunity and provide further protection.
Meanwhile, more than 39,300 children under the age of 10 have been targeted in a massive polio vaccination campaign across the Kunene region.
Kunene Chief Health Program Officer Jason Ndahepere said: Picking up girls It was also announced that this campaign will be held in two parts, from January 26th to 29th, 2026 and from February 24th to 27th, 2026.
The initiative targets all three health districts in the region to ensure no child is left behind. Opuwo district has the highest target, with 23,393 children expected to be vaccinated, followed by Oujo district with 10,49 children and Kolishas district with 5,924 children.
Ndahepere explained that all children under the age of 10 are expected to receive two drops of the oral polio vaccine each time, even if they are scheduled to receive routine immunizations on the same day.
“These are different oral polio drops and can be taken together. There are no contraindications,” he said, adding that completing both rounds is important to achieve complete immunity against polio and other preventable diseases.
To ensure widespread traffic, government vehicles are made available and services are procured from local vehicle owners to support traffic. Mobile and outreach teams reach children in remote and hard-to-reach areas.
Ice packs, insulated cold boxes and freezers for vaccine carriers are ensured to maintain recommended temperatures during storage and transport. Community mobilization is led by health workers, community health assistants, traditional leaders, community councils, church leaders and schools.
Ndahepere said preparations including receiving vaccines, registering vehicles and training staff are progressing well, and expressed confidence that the campaign will be successfully implemented across the region.
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– Additional report: Pick-up
