With a comparatively low vaccination rate in previous instances, the South West Regional Delegation of Public Health has stated improvement with a 97% coverage for the first round of the polio vaccination ahead of the second round this November 3-5, 2023.
The campaign which ran from September 22 to 24 in the South West, West, North West, Center, Littoral, South regions of Cameroon was geared at immunizing children from 0-5 years against the Polio virus. Mukuele Synthia, the Regional Delegation focal point communicator says the strategic use of the media is believed to have greatly aided in the campaign’s success.
The evaluation meeting of media professionals and digital actors in the presence of Inspectors of Basic Education from across the region gave room for the appreciation of efforts and challenges to be shared and recommendations proposed.
The prominent challenge besides the security situation was noted to be missing reports and wastage. With a total of 19 health districts, the SW Regional Delegation plans on using the mobile strategy, which entails home visits. The fixed strategy which entails permanent vaccination post, most especially in hospitals. And the temporarily fixed which targets boss stations, markets and churches. To carryout effectively this second round of vaccination.
Children who didn’t take the first doze are said to be free to have the second dose.