Koketso Maraba
 
The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has ramped its vaccination programme to ensure that no child is left behind, protecting them from infectious diseases earlier and later in life. 
MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko launched the provincial African Vaccination Week campaign calling on parents, guardians and caregivers across the province to ensure that their children are immunised at all ages. 
The African Vaccination Week commemorative event was held on Friday, 25 April 2025 in Protea South in Soweto, Johannesburg under the theme "Immunisation for All is Humanly Possible. 
Across the province, health officials are intensifying efforts to protect children from vaccine-preventable illnesses like measles, rubella, and polio diseases that are re-emerging due to missed vaccinations and growing public hesitancy.
Since 2023, Gauteng has experienced recurring measles outbreaks, especially in Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Ekurhuleni districts. Health authorities have warned that the declining vaccination rates are leaving children and communities vulnerable to serious illness and even death.
To counter this, all health districts are rolling out vaccination campaigns targeting children who missed doses and underserved populations. These outreach efforts also promote integrated services, including maternal and child health, mental health, and screening for communicable diseases like HIV, TB, and STIs.
MEC for Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko pleaded with the community of Protea South to take their children to the nearest clinic for routine and catch-up vaccinations. 
"Protecting our children from diseases like measles, rubella, polio, and hepatitis B is not just essential, it's life-saving. We should ensure that our children are vaccinated at all ages," said MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko. 
The campaign also engages clinic committees, health forums, and local religious leaders to help restore public confidence in vaccines. Community health workers and ward-based outreach teams will continue conducting door-to-door visits to trace defaulters and educate families.
Routine immunisations are offered daily at all public clinics and health facilities under the province's "Every Day is Immunisation Day" approach. Hospitals have also established vaccination points to ensure no child misses an opportunity to be protected, even while hospitalised.
Nolubabalo Makuhanjwe, a resident of Protea South, attended the event to ensure her son received deworming treatment and for herself to get the flu vaccine. She expressed her gratitude, saying, "I'm thankful for the quick service and I'm grateful to the Department for bringing these essential services right to our doorstep."
While Nneheng Boxwell from Protea South said she took the flu vaccine to avoid getting sick again, as her previous experience with the flu had very severe symptoms.
"We are also reminding the public to seek help early," added MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko. "If you notice symptoms or suspect an infectious disease, visit your nearest health facility immediately. Early detection and treatment can save lives."
By participating in African Vaccination Week (24 – 30 April 2025), the Gauteng Department of Health hopes to reignite a culture of prevention and ensure that every child has a healthy start in life.