Second round kicks off in North

ALTHOUGH the first round of the polio immunisation campaign was a major success story in Namibia’s northern regions, the second round will be an even greater challenge.

This was said by the Director of Health for the Northwest Health Directorate, Dr Naftali Hamata, at the launch of the second round of vaccinations at the Oshakati State Hospital yesterday. According to Dr Hamata, there were hiccups in the distribution of vaccines during the first round because of inaccurate population figures.He said, however, that the lessons learned during the first round would make the operation run smoother this time.The aim is to reach everyone in the North, including those who did not receive the vaccine during the first round.Hamata said of the 49 suspected cases so far reported in the Oshana Region, two had been confirmed as polio cases, 38 people had been discharged and nine were still in the Oshakati State Hospital.According to Dr Hamata, there were hiccups in the distribution of vaccines during the first round because of inaccurate population figures.He said, however, that the lessons learned during the first round would make the operation run smoother this time.The aim is to reach everyone in the North, including those who did not receive the vaccine during the first round.Hamata said of the 49 suspected cases so far reported in the Oshana Region, two had been confirmed as polio cases, 38 people had been discharged and nine were still in the Oshakati State Hospital.