The DA in the Western Cape is urging all parents and caregivers to ensure that their children are vaccinated. This comes after a recent measles outbreak, between January and March this year, where 29 people in the Province were diagnosed with the virus.
Western Cape Spokesperson on Community Development, Lorraine Botha MPP said; “It is vital that all residents understand and appreciate the importance of immunisation. I therefore call on community members to make it their business to ensure that all children in various neighbourhoods have received the relevant vaccine.”
Measles, a highly infectious and contagious virus, can be prevented through vaccinations. Last year, Stats SA revealed that only 61% of two-year-olds had received all their basic vaccinations, while only 53% received all their age appropriate vaccinations.
Approximately 450 000 people in the Western Cape alone have been immunised.
“I do still call on Minister Nomafrench Mbombo to ensure that all relevant health facilities have the necessary vaccines and resources, so that children can continue to be immunised. I will also write to the Minister to inquire as to what measures have been put in place to address this outbreak, in order to prevent another incident like this in future,” concluded Botha.
