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Adeladius Makwega – Mbagala
May 15, 2026 — Mwanakwetu visited the Health Department at the Mara Regional Office to understand what is happening within this public department responsible for the health of the people of Mara Region. He was received by staff members including attendants, nurses, health secretaries, pharmacists, and several doctors, all under the supervision of Dr. Zablon Elias Masatu, the Regional Medical Officer.
“You are most welcome, Mwanakwetu. Here in the Health Department, we have just completed the second phase of the Polio vaccination mop-up campaign, which concluded on May 11, 2026. We carried out the exercise successfully and achieved our targets. We sincerely thank the residents of Mara Region for their strong turnout. We also extend our gratitude to all partners who supported this effort, including the Tanzania Red Cross, WHO, UNICEF, and our Ministry of Health.”
Speaking from his office, Dr. Masatu added:
“To successfully carry out a vaccination campaign, you must first have all the necessary resources—vaccines, storage equipment, personnel, vehicles, and the ability to reach communities wherever they are. But beyond that, the response of citizens is critical. Fortunately, the public responded very well by bringing all eligible children. We commend the people of Mara Region and their leaders at all levels for making this campaign a success.”
Dr. Masatu further explained that polio had been eradicated nearly 20 years ago, with the last detection of the virus occurring back then. However, recent research found traces of the virus in wastewater in the Lake Zone, prompting a renewed vaccination campaign targeting children under 9 years and 11 months.
Discussing the statistical outcomes, Ms. Grace Mgongorwa, the Coordinator of Polio Vaccination Data for the second phase, reported that during the mop-up day alone, 6,417 children were vaccinated. Overall, the region surpassed its target, vaccinating 1,048,727 children against a target of 1,045,429—achieving 100.31%.
Breaking down the daily figures, she stated:
“May 10, 2026: 106,722 children vaccinated, May 9, 2026: 203,201 children vaccinated, May 8, 2026: 283,629 children vaccinated, May 7, 2026: 448,758 children vaccinated, Dr. Masatu added that among the 1,048,727 children vaccinated, 51% were girls and 49% were boys.”
After gathering all this information, Mwanakwetu prepared this article.
What does Mwanakwetu say today?
Polio is a dangerous disease that attacks the nervous system and can cause paralysis, especially in children under five. Vaccination has played a major role in combating this disease since the 1950s. Today, wild poliovirus (WPV1) remains only in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Mwanakwetu, Are you present? Remember:
“The response of citizens is crucial during vaccination campaigns.”
Wishing you a good day.
0717649257
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