Khayelitsha Health Forum (KHF) is encouraging parents and caregivers to ensure their children are vaccinated during an immunisation drive run by the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness throughout July.
Campaign vital for child development, says KHF chair
Forum chair Mzanywa Ndibongo described the campaign as being vital to the development of children. He urged parents to take it seriously as it prevents significant illnesses in children.
“It is important to do it. The community needs to understand that there are many diseases out there that need to be prevented. Children are sensitive and their immune systems are still weak, so it is easy for them to catch diseases.”
Ndibongo slammed the department for not promoting this campaign very widely to raise greater public awareness; there was very little coverage on radio stations or in the newspapers.
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Weekend clinic hours extended at Site B
Provincial Department of Health and Wellness communications officer Abulele Dyasi said the Khayelitsha (Site B) Community Health Centre was extending its immunisation services to include weekends, and not just on weekdays.
He said it will operate every Saturday and Sunday from 08:00 to 16:00 throughout July, making it easier for working parents and caregivers to have their children vaccinated.
What parents need to do
“Parents are urged to visit their nearest clinic to check their child’s Road-to-Health Booklet. Ensure all scheduled vaccines are up to date. Bring children who have missed doses for catch-up immunisations.”
Dyasi said vaccination protects both individual children and entire communities. The department called on all parents, caregivers and community leaders to increase immunisation coverage.
“The immunisation drive gives parents and caregivers another opportunity to ensure their children are fully protected against vaccine-preventable diseases,” said Favour Mbolekwa, operational manager at Khayelitsha CHC. “By opening Site B Clinic over weekends throughout July, we are making our services more accessible to families who may not be able to visit during the week.”
