Swakopmund: Over 21,633 children under the age of 10 are being targeted in the Swakopmund Constituency during the national polio vaccination campaign. The campaign is part of a nationwide effort to protect children against poliovirus and to maintain Namibia's polio-free status, which has been in place since 2006. The campaign will be implemented in two phases, with the first phase running from January 26 to 29, 2026, followed by a second phase from February 24 to 27, 2026.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Swakopmund Constituency councillor Victor Maswahu emphasized during the campaign launch that this initiative is a preventative measure rather than a response to a failure. He highlighted the importance of vigilance as public health threats do not respect borders. Maswahu called on parents, guardians, and schools to cooperate fully with vaccination teams to ensure children are taken to vaccination points.
"Vaccination is safe, free of charge, and life-saving. Each child will receive two drops of the novel oral polio vaccine. This is about leaving no child behind and ensuring full coverage to reduce the risk of poliovirus infection," Maswahu stated. He also urged community leaders, faith-based organizations, youth structures, and the media to assist in mobilizing communities and countering misinformation.
To reach the targeted children, the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MOHSS) has deployed 28 vaccination teams in the Swakopmund Constituency, each comprised of three trained health professionals. These teams will conduct door-to-door visits and cover schools, clinics, and public spaces in urban, peri-urban, and rural areas.
Meanwhile, Dennis Muesee, acting principal at Hanganeni Primary School where the launch took place, stressed that preventable diseases like polio can disrupt learning and negatively impact a child's future. He praised MOHSS and its partners for their proactive stance following the detection of poliovirus type 2 elsewhere in the country.
"The presence of leaders here sends a strong message to our learners that their health matters and that they are valued," Muesee said, assuring authorities of the school community's full cooperation.