Limpopo’s vaccination programme receives recognition

LIMPOPO – The message from the Limpopo Health Department remains clear: Get vaccinated.

The deputy director general for healthcare services in the province, Dr Mutheiwana Dombo, emphasised the message after Limpopo’s health team was recently awarded for their vaccination efforts in the province.

They received a silver certificate, signed by President Cyril Ramaphosa, for being the second province to surpass their targets.

Dombo explained that it was not a competition and they did not know that they would receive an award.

“We always make sure that we are intense and have a sound strategy, exploring various options. We spent a lot of time putting together a proper plan so that when we go out to the people, we know what the exact plan is,” she explained.

Dombo shared that the province’s plan is tailor-made and took into consideration that Limpopo is a rural province with a low literacy rate, and that many people do not have access to smartphones or internet. They wanted to bring the vaccine as close to the people as possible, and thus there are 247 facilities across the province.

Dombo explained that the elderly came out in their numbers and added that they roped in community healthcare workers to help with the electronic registration for the elderly. They also helped to identify those who are confined to their homes, so that they also received the vaccine. “We had multiple campaigns to galvanise people and get them to the vaccination points. Our strategy was about getting influential people in the different age categories to show that the vaccine is safe and the response was amazing.”

She attributed the success of the vaccination drive to local media with 27 local community radio stations affording them the opportunity to spread the message in the vernacular.

The strategy had to be altered for citizens between 35 and 50 years old as they are the economically active groups, and thus weekend drives were introduced.

“We were well received at the malls and also had workplace vaccination drives for the people who are in hard-to-reach areas such as farm workers and miners. People realised we were there for them and they responded, which I think helped push the numbers. We had to reach out to the people rather than wait for the people to reach out to us,” she said.

In their approach, the department became synonymous with catchy and controversial messages, which Dombo explained was done intentionally as they got people talking.

“With a team of young people, the messages helped to reach more people. We wanted our messages to have flavour, be short, but also carry a punch and have people think,” she said.

A current concern is that vaccination of the 18-24 year old cohort is not happening as fast as it could be. They will adjust their approach and include approaching institutions of higher education for next year’s intakes.

There are also outreach programmes in high schools, however, it remains strict about consent for the younger children. “We want to give parents assurance that the process is safe and we don’t want people to think that we force anyone. We want to vaccinate every child but we also respect the role of parents, guardians and caregivers,” she said.

Dombo urged vaccinated residents to remain cautious and avoid situations, such as weddings and funerals, that can compromise them. Limpopo is a ‘receiving province’ and a spike is anticipated with the return of people from various provinces who come home for the festive season.

Her message to people who are reluctant to get vaccinated is: “By vaccinating, you protect yourself and your loved ones. If getting vaccinated gives a chance of surviving the virus, then do it,” she concluded.

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