Windhoek, 30 September 2011 -- The World Health Organization (WHO) received a generous donation worth over N$240,000 from Rotary Windhoek and Rotary International to improve the immunization status of children aged under 5 years against vaccine preventable diseases in particular polio. The donation consisting of loudspeakers, Information, Education, Communication (IEC) materials and T-shirts was handed over to WHO during a Rotary Luncheon for members. The items are aimed at awareness raising and public health education on vaccine preventable diseases, particularly polio. The items will be used for social mobilization to increase not only routine immunization, but also for supplementary immunization campaigns such as Maternal and Child Health Days and the National Immunization Day (NID) 2012 Campaign.

In Namibia, about 69 children per 1,000 live births die every year due to vaccine preventable illnesses and other childhood diseases. The country has on average nearly 80% immunization coverage, which means that there are pockets of children who remain either unimmunized or under-immunized, putting them at risk of long-term illness, disability and even death.

Speaking at the Rotary Windhoek Handover luncheon, WHO Representative, Dr Magda Robalo said, "We thank Rotary for their generous support towards immunization against polio eradication in Namibia. While the country has on average 80% immunization coverage, it has not reached the 90% target recommended by WHO. Approximately two to three (2 to 3) children out of 10 are either unimmunized or under immunized putting them at risk of vaccine preventable childhood illnesses, particularly in urban and remote areas. We cannot afford to miss even one child, because one child missed is one child too many. The NID campaign is an extensive operation, with limited funds available for communications and social mobilization to publicize immunization campaigns. This donation will help us educate and mobilize parents, caregiver, teachers and the community at large to ensure that their children are immunized."

The items received will help the WHO provide additional support to the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) for immunization programmes in order to reach the Millennium Development Goal 4 of Reducing Child Mortality and towards the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI). Rotary International is actively involved in major polio activities worldwide through the End Polio Now Campaign. This donation is the first donation provided to WHO via Rotary Windhoek as part of this global campaign.

Background information or notes to editors: Outcome of Namibia's 2011 NID Campaign:

Namibia's 2011 NID campaign was conducted over two periods: Round One: 14 – 16 June 2011 and Round Two: 19-21 July. During the campaign, the oral polio vaccine (OPV) was administered to all children 0-59 months and Vitamin A given to children 06-59 months. During Round 2, children received the second dose of OPV along with de-worming medication to improve their health and nutritional status. The campaign reached 298,029 children (95% coverage) during Round 1, and 303,396 children (97% coverage) in Round 2. Of Namibia's 34 districts, 22 achieved 95% coverage, up by 7 districts when compared with 15 districts in 2010. The campaign amounted to over N$10m. Namibia is committed to reducing child mortality and has put its weight behind both regional and international commitments such as the recently endorsed Africa Immunization Week; Child Health Days, Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Four (4).

Issued by: World Health Organization (WHO)

For more details, contact:

WHO: Communications & Advocacy Officer: Michelle Thulkanam – email - thulkanamm [at] na.afro.who.int ( )  
Ph-+264-61-255-121/ +264-81-423-0556