06 May 2026

Batswana have been urged to respond and embrace the Oral Polio Vaccination campaign that would be conducted countrywide as a preventative measure to prevent potenial spread among vulnerable children from (0 to 59 months) as well as to strengthen immunity. 

Officially launching the Oral Polio Vaccination Campaign in Oodi on Tuesday, Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Mr Ketlhalefile Motshegwa, said the campaign was a proactive and necessary step to prevent the spread of the virus to children under five years. 

The campaign follows a recent confirmation of circulating vaccine-derive poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) cases in neighbouring Namibia and Zambia. 

Thus, Mr Motshegwa said proximity of these developments to Botswana specifically to the Charleshill and Okavango Districts, places the country at risk. 

“This is not a distant threat it is a regional reality that demands immediate, coordinated, and decisive action hence the country’s decision to conduct a National Oral Polio Vaccination campaign around the same time with the other neighbouring countries as recommended by WHO,” he said. 

Minister Motshegwa highlighted the importance of responding swiftly to the campaign, stating that Polio was a highly infectious disease that can cause lifelong paralysis and even death contributing to increased child mortality. 

“Polio is a highly infectious disease that can cause lifelong paralysis and even death contributing to increased child mortality,” he said. 

The campaign will be conducted two rounds, targeting all children under the age of five years (0 to 59 months), regardless of their previous vaccination status staring from: First round from May 5 to 8 and second round June 8 to 11. 

The campaign will be conducted by vaccination teams identifiable by tags through house to house and health facilities and in locations where children commonly gather including day care centres. 

Kgatleng District Council Health committee chairperson, Mr John Marumo implored parents and caregivers to welcome the teams into their homes. 

He also emphasised the importance of responding to campaigns to allay any threats. 

UNICEF acting representative, Ms Tuduetso Kelapile, said in an interview that the campaign aimed to reach over 272 000 children under the age of five. 

She said UNICEF and government worked to facilitate procurement of polio drops, signifying commitment to strengthen the cold chain and logistics systems so that every dose remains safe, potent, and ready to safeguard every child. 

She said UNICEF in collaboration with the Botswana Red Cross Society were reaching out directly to caregivers, traditional leaders, and community champions, to ensure they have the knowledge and power to dispel fear and misinformation. 

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