Health Department to target 'zero-dose' children in immunisation drive

THE Department of Health (DOH) has urged the public to get their children vaccinated as African Vaccination Week is being marked.

- ZAINUL DAWOOD

African Vaccination Week is simultaneously celebrated with other World Health Organization (WHO) regions under the banner of World Immunisation Week (WIW).

It aims to strengthen advocacy for better access to vaccination. South Africa was in the top 20 countries in 2023 based on the number of zero-dose children.

Health department spokesperson Foster Mohale urged parents and caregivers to ensure that their children are up-to-date with their vaccinations to protect people of all ages against vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, polio, diphtheria, etc.

"Globally in 2023, there were 14.5 million children missing out on any vaccination so-called zero-dose children. It is for this reason that the department is working with provinces and other stakeholders to address immunisation gaps and improve vaccination coverage in the country," Mohale said.