Harare, (New Ziana) – The City of Harare has announced a comprehensive supplementary immunisation campaign targeting children under the age of five, as part of a regional effort to curb the spread of poliovirus.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the municipality said that the campaign will be conducted in two rounds. The first phase is scheduled to run from 20 to 23 April, while the second round will take place from 2 to 5 June.
Health authorities indicated that the programme will be implemented across all public health facilities, through door-to-door outreach, and at designated community points such as churches and marketplaces.
“The City of Harare, through its Health Department, will participate in the supplementary immunisation campaign targeting all children under five years, including newborns, regardless of their previous vaccination status.
“The campaign comes in response to a confirmed outbreak of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 in the region, first reported in Malawi. The situation has prompted a coordinated response involving several Southern African countries, including Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Zambia, and Botswana.
“The risk of potential spread is considered high due to frequent travel and connections between neighbouring countries. The virus poses serious health risks and can cause irreversible paralysis in children if preventive measures are not taken,” the statement highlighted.
It emphasised that the oral polio vaccine to be administered during the campaign is safe and effective, and plays a critical role in boosting immunity among young children, adding that the initiative is aimed not only at protecting individuals but also at interrupting transmission of the virus within communities and across borders.
Residents have been urged to cooperate fully with health workers during the campaign period.
“Parents and guardians are encouraged to ensure that all eligible children are vaccinated. They should present child health cards where available and assist health teams during household visits,” the authorities said.
A call was made for community leaders and stakeholders to help raise awareness and mobilise participation.
“We urge all members of the community to support this important public health intervention and help spread the message so that no child is left behind. Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent polio and safeguard the health of future generations,” the statement added.
New Ziana
