Parents urged to complete polio vaccinations for children Summary: The campaign, jointly organised by Mwananyamala Hospital and several Rotary Clubs, will run until World Polio Day, with the aim of ensuring every child in Tanzania is fully immunised and protected from the disease.

Parents and caregivers have been urged to ensure their children complete all polio vaccination doses as part of an awareness campaign ahead of World Polio Day on October 24, 2025.

Speaking during an education session at Mwananyamala Hospital on Friday, health expert Eunice Toonde, who is the chairperson of the Rotaract Club of Kampala International University in Tanzania (KIUT) and student, stressed that children under five remain the most vulnerable to the disease, which can cause lifelong disability.

“Although recent cases of polio have been limited, completing vaccination schedules is essential to sustain the progress we have made,” she said.

“Failure to do so can result in serious complications, including nerve damage, loss of mobility, joint problems and, in severe cases, respiratory failure, which can be fatal without urgent treatment,” she added.

A fourth-year medical student at Kampala International University in Tanzania (KIUT), Ms Catherine Moshi, said many parents remain unaware of the vaccines their children receive.

“Some parents assume their child is safe if no symptoms are visible, but incomplete vaccination leaves them at significant risk,” she noted.

Ms Moshi explained that polio vaccination begins within the first week of birth, followed by doses at six, 14 and 16 weeks, to ensure full protection.

Rotary Club of Mikocheni president, Mr Nasibu Mahinya, said the education sessions at the hospital are aimed at reaching pregnant women and caregivers who may not fully understand the risks of polio.

“Despite progress in reducing polio cases, many mothers are still unaware of the dangers. Our goal is to educate as many people as possible before World Polio Day,” he said.

A nursing trainer from the Ministry of Health, Ms Gloria Mwankenja, pointed to ongoing challenges in countries such as Afghanistan and Pakistan as a reminder of the importance of vigilance.

“Population movement continues to pose risks, which makes this education campaign essential,” she said, adding that Tanzania’s last reported polio case was in Sumbawanga Municipality, Rukwa Region, on May 26, 2023. The campaign, jointly organised by Mwananyamala Hospital and several Rotary Clubs, will run until World Polio Day, with the aim of ensuring every child in Tanzania is fully immunised and protected from the disease. Source: Media: The Citizen Newspaper Author: Mintanga Hunda Date: Saturday, 30th August 2025 URL: https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/tanzania/news/national/parents-urged-to-complete-polio-vaccinations-for-children-5172776