Ministry postpones polio immunisation campaign

The Ministry of Health has postponed the polio immunisation campaign targeting all children under the age of five in Okavango, Chobe, Gantsi and Charleshill.

The campaign was scheduled to start this weekend but has been put-off indefinitely. A press release from the ministry said the immunisation campaign has become necessary  after reports of a polio outbreak in Angola. The disease is reported to be highly infectious and can easily be imported into the country. "Constant population movements across borders may facilitate importation of the virus into Botswana. So the exercise (immunisation) is aimed at preventing possible outbreaks in the above mentioned districts," the release stated. It is not clear whether similar campaigns to be undertaken in Angola, Namibia and Zambia from February 25-27 will still take place. 

The polio virus is transmitted easily from person to person primarily through eating food and water contaminated with infected human excreta. A person with polio may experience sudden weakness or paralysis of the limbs leading to difficulty in walking, fever, severe headache, stiff neck, deep muscle pain, difficulty in swallowing food or drinking. The ministry has advised the public to promptly report to the nearest health facility if a child shows sudden weakness of the limbs without any history of injury.  The ministry says people should practice good personal hygiene such as washing hands with clean water and soap after visiting the toilet before handling food.

Editor's Comment
Congratulations Anicia Gaothuse!

The contest had 10 beautiful young girls as finalists and unfortunately only one could wear the crown.The judges picked Anicia Gaothuse. To all those who feel their contestant should have won ahead of Anicia for whatever reason, hardly; the judges found Anicia to be the best among the best, so desist from disrespecting our newly crowned queen on social media or anywhere else, for that matter! Each of the 10 beautiful young women had supporters...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up