Shinyanga Regional Referral Hospital has conducted training for journalists aimed at building their capacity to educate the public about the upcoming polio vaccination campaign, scheduled to take place from March 24 to 27 this year. The campaign will target children aged 0–10, with free oral polio vaccines administered in two doses.
Speaking during the training on March 17, 2026, Dr. Yudas Ndungile stated that the campaign aims to ensure all children are vaccinated to protect them against polio, emphasizing that community participation is crucial for its success.
"We believe in the power of the media to reach communities and provide accurate health information through well-informed journalists," said Dr. Ndungile.
Moses Mwita, the Regional Public Health Education Coordinator for Shinyanga, highlighted the significant role of the media in delivering accurate messages to the public. He urged journalists to use their professional skills to mobilize parents and caregivers to bring children for vaccination.
"You are a key group in reaching citizens quickly and effectively with accurate information through your reporting," Mwita emphasized.
Anne Shuma, representing the Ministry of Health’s Department of Preventive Services and Public Health Education, reassured the public that the polio vaccine is safe and scientifically approved, clarifying that it poses no harm to children. She urged communities to overcome fear and participate fully in the campaign.
Shuma added that the campaign aims to reach over 6 million children nationwide, with Shinyanga expected to vaccinate over 700,000 children. Other participating regions include Geita, Mwanza, Simiyu, Mara, Tabora, and Singida.
"The government has taken robust measures to protect citizens from polio infection. Every child will receive the vaccine at no cost, and a finger mark will be placed after vaccination," Shuma stated.
The training also aimed to equip journalists with accurate knowledge about vaccination issues, enabling them to produce informative and influential stories during this critical campaign period.
The Minister of Health will officially launch the campaign nationally in Mwanza, with Shinyanga among the regions expected to perform strongly in implementation.
