‘Mother, protect your child’ campaign pushes for full polio vaccination

DAR ES SALAAM: IN a renewed effort to promote public health and protect future generations, the Rotary Club of Mikocheni in collaboration with six Rotaract clubs, has launched a nationwide awareness campaign titled “Mother, Protect Your Child.”

The initiative aims to highlight the importance of children receiving all required doses of the polio vaccine.

Launched on August 16th this year at Mwananyamala Hospital in Kinondoni District, the campaign will run every Saturday until World Polio Day on October 24th, this year, with the overarching goal of ensuring that every child in Tanzania is fully immunised and protected from polio.

Speaking during the campaign’s launch, Rotary Club of Mikocheni President Nasibu Mahinya stressed that one of the greatest benefits of polio immunisation is the peace of mind it gives to parents.

“Despite the progress made in reducing polio cases, many mothers are still unaware of the dangers. We aim to build vaccine acceptance, reach at least 150 mothers directly and educate more than 100,000 community members through broad media coverage before World Polio Day,” he said.

Mr Mahinya said that completing the polio vaccination schedule provides long-term protection against a disease that can cause permanent disability.

“Although new polio cases are now rare, full vaccination is essential to sustain this progress. Skipping doses leaves children vulnerable to completely preventable risks,” he noted.

He further warned that incomplete vaccination can result in serious complications, including nerve damage, joint issues, paralysis, respiratory failure, or even death.

A health expert and President of Rotaract Alpha Club, Ms Aniita Semfilinge underlined the importance of directly engaging mothers.

“We are reaching out to mothers with humility and compassion to raise awareness about polio, because our mission is to achieve a poliofree generation,” she said.

“Some parents assume their child are safe if no symptoms appear, but incomplete immunisation leaves them dangerously exposed. Full protection starts within the first week of birth, with additional doses given at six, 14 and 16 weeks,” she added.

A nursing trainer and President of Rotaract Young Professionals from the Ministry of Health, Ms Gloria Mwankenja highlighted the broader public health significance of full vaccination.

“Population movement continues to pose a risk, which is why this campaign is so critical,” she said, recalling that Tanzania’s last reported polio case was in Sumbawanga, Rukwa Region, on May 26th, 2023.

The campaign, overseen by Mwananyamala Hospital, is supported by Rotaract clubs including Bahari Youth, Kairuki, Muhimbili, Umoja and Kampala International University in Tanzania (KIUT).

The initiative champions the life-saving power of complete vaccination, focusing on healthier children, informed parents and a stronger, polio-free Tanzania.