MEC urges parents to use operational health facilities for the vaccination campaign

20 April 2010

Gauteng Department of Health and Social Development MEC Qedani Mahlangu, has called on parents to make use of operational health facilities to immunise their children against polio and measles during the strike of the municipality workers.

This follows complaints from the public that services at some clinics have been temporarily suspended due to the strike and children cannot be immunised.

MEC Mahlangu has urged health workers who are not taking part in the strike not to be intimidated by striking workers, but to continue rendering services to patients.

"I want to acknowledge your efforts in ensuring that the lives of the patients are not compromised. I'm also aware that this is done at great personal risk."

So far in Gauteng, more than 700 000 children have being immunised since the campaign was launched on 12 April.

The first phase of the campaign which runs until this Friday aims to immunise 1 million children. In order to meet this provincial target, the MEC encourages parents to sign and return consent forms to schools and crèches.

As part of marking the end of the first phase of the campaign on Friday, the MEC together with senior managers will take part in the immunisation of children in Motsweding district in Tshwane.

Enquiries:
Mandla Sidu
Cell: 082 773 9013

Issued by: Department of Health and Social Development, Gauteng Provincial Government
20 April 2010