Gauteng Health Department launches of the province’s Measles-Rubella mass vaccination campaign, from 4 until the 12 of September, at Steve Biko Primary School in Orange Farm. Image: Gauteng Health Department shared via X @GautengHealth.
(The Post News)– Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo‑Ralehoko officially launched the province’s measles‑rubella mass vaccination campaign this morning at Steve Biko Primary School in Orange Farm.
Since January, nearly 400 confirmed cases of measles‑rubella have been reported across all five health districts in Gauteng. The campaign is part of the Department of Health’s mass effort to curb the concerning numbers of the measles‑rubella outbreak. It aims to vaccinate over 4 million children aged between 6 months and 15 years from now until 12 September 2025.
Present at Steve Biko Primary School in Gauteng, MEC Nkomo‑Ralehoko noted that while the department is rolling out vaccinations across the province, it is imperative that children receive these life-saving vaccines.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control explains that measles makes children highly susceptible to life-threatening complications like pneumonia, encephalitis, and other respiratory and neurological issues, especially in young children.
The MEC identified Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Ekurhuleni as current hotspots in Gauteng. She noted that the department will be visiting all schools and informal settlements in these areas to ensure children are reached.
When asked whether foreign nationals would be included in the campaign, given ongoing tensions around non-citizens receiving free public healthcare, Nkomo-Ralehoko responded that all children will be vaccinated as long as a consent form is signed.
“They can’t stop us from vaccinating children,” she said. “And in the end, they’ll want us to do this work because we are preventing people from getting sick.”
To reach as many children as possible within the time frame, the Gauteng Health Department has called on nurses, data workers, and members of the community to assist in delivering the campaign.
journalist-lukhona@thepostnews.net
About the Author
