Staff Reporter
THE Ministry of Health and Social Services has achieved a 91% vaccination coverage rate in the first round of its nationwide polio immunisation campaign, with more than 800 000 children vaccinated as part of efforts to prevent the spread of poliovirus type 2.
Health minister Esperance Luvindao announced the milestone, describing it as a strong step toward safeguarding children against the disease, while emphasising that efforts will continue to reach full coverage.
Namibia has been polio-free since 2006. However, the ministry detected poliovirus type 2 in a sewage sample collected in Ndama, Rundu, in the Kavango East Region on 13 November 2025 through routine surveillance. The detection prompted the launch of a nationwide vaccination campaign.
The first phase of the campaign was conducted from 26 to 29 January 2026. Luvindao thanked parents, caregivers and healthcare workers for ensuring high turnout during the initial round.
The second round of the campaign will take place from 24 to 27 February 2026. The minister urged parents and caregivers to take all children under the age of 10 to the nearest clinic, school or community vaccination point for free oral immunisation. She stressed that even children who are fully vaccinated should receive the dose, as the current response targets poliovirus type 2 specifically.
The campaign is being implemented in partnership with the World Health Organization, UNICEF and other development partners.
The ministry reiterated its commitment to strengthening routine immunisation and closing remaining gaps to ensure every child is protected.
Photo: World Health Organization Namibia
