Gauteng Health Department Launches African Vaccination Week 2025 in Soweto.

The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH), under the leadership of MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, officially launched the 2025 African Vaccination Week (AVW) on Friday, 25 April 2025 at Protea South Zone 1 Sportsground in Soweto. This year’s campaign is observed from 24 to 30 April 2025 under the compelling theme: “Immunization for All is Humanly Possible.“

This critical initiative aims to raise awareness about the importance of childhood vaccination. It also aims at ensuring that every child is protected from preventable diseases. The event brought together healthcare professionals, community leaders, and families in a united front to close the immunization gap across Gauteng.

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Why African Vaccination Week Matters

African Vaccination Week, an initiative spearheaded by the World Health Organization (WHO), is observed across the continent to strengthen immunization services and highlight the vital role that vaccines play in saving lives. Immunization is a proven, cost-effective public health intervention that prevents millions of deaths each year.

Despite its proven benefits, many children in Gauteng remain vulnerable due to incomplete vaccination schedules or no access to vaccines at all.

Alarming Stats from 2024/2025 Prompt Action

During her keynote address, MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko shared concerning statistics from the 2024/2025 financial year. The department fell short of its fully immunized under-1-year-old target, as well as the measles second dose coverage.

Even more alarming is the high number of zero-dose children—those who have not received a single vaccine. Of the 262,234 children under 1 year in Gauteng, 71,960 (27%) had not received their first routine immunization dose. This underperformance poses a serious threat, increasing the risk of vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks that can result in death, long-term complications, and disability.

What the Department Is Doing About It

To address this growing health concern, the GDoH will deploy teams across all districts in Gauteng to conduct targeted outreach programs. These efforts will focus on high-risk areas including informal settlements, hostels, and underserved townships where vaccination rates are typically lower.

Health professionals will be offering catch-up immunizations for children who have missed doses and providing essential child health services. This includes protection against:

• Measles and Rubella
• Poliomyelitis (Polio)
• Rotavirus (causing severe diarrhoea)
• Pertussis (Whooping cough)
• Tetanus and Diphtheria
• Hemophilus influenza type B
• Hepatitis B
• Pneumococcal disease

Parents and Caregivers: What You Need to Know About Vaccination Week

The department is calling on all parents and caregivers to ensure that their children’s vaccination schedules are up to date. Those who may have missed key vaccines are urged to visit their nearest clinics or health facilities for catch-up doses.

All children attending outreach activities should bring along their Road to Health cards, a crucial document that tracks a child’s immunization record.

MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko emphasized that “No child should suffer or die from a preventable disease. Vaccination is not just a health right, but a social responsibility.”

Launch Event Highlights

The launch event in Soweto featured educational talks, free immunization services, entertainment for children, and health screenings for parents. Local leaders and health advocates echoed the call for widespread community participation and awareness.

The event served not only as a health campaign but also as a community empowerment platform, fostering trust between healthcare providers and residents.

Get Involved, Stay Protected

To maintain momentum beyond African Vaccination Week, the GDoH encourages all communities to continue prioritizing routine immunizations throughout the year. Whether you are a parent, caregiver, teacher, or community member—you have a role to play in creating a healthier, safer Gauteng.

For More Information About Vaccination Week and Public Engagement

• Media Enquiries:
  Motalatale Modiba, Head of Communication
  Cell: 064 803 0808
  Email: [email protected]
• Public Complaints or Compliments:
  Email: [email protected]
  SMS: 35023
  24-hour customer line: 0800 203 886
• Visit: www.gauteng.gov.za for media releases, news, and updates.

As the slogan boldly states: “Immunization for All is Humanly Possible”—and in Gauteng, the drive to turn that vision into reality has well and truly begun.