Tsabong District Council has launched an ambitious campaign aimed at boosting vaccination coverage among pregnant women and children under the age of five against Tetanus toxoid. The campaign, which kicked off yesterday, is part of a broader public health initiative to protect vulnerable populations from preventable diseases.
Chief Nursing Officer Margaret Ontiretse revealed that while progress has been made, several areas within the district — including Werda, Kokotsha, and Hereford — are still falling short of the required vaccination threshold. “We’ve managed to reach about 70 percent of our target population so far,” she said. “Our goal is to push this figure to at least 90 percent by the end of next month.”
The campaign comes in response to Tsabong District’s historically low immunization coverage, particularly in remote, nomadic, and underserved communities. Health officials have raised concerns that these low rates leave pregnant women and young children especially vulnerable to tetanus, a potentially fatal but entirely preventable disease.
Tetanus remains a significant public health concern in rural areas, where access to healthcare services can be limited. The vaccination drive will involve door-to-door outreach, mobile clinics, and community sensitization efforts aimed at educating families on the importance of routine immunization.
“We are prioritizing pregnant women and children under five because they are the most at risk,” Ontiretse explained. “Our teams are working hard to reach every household, particularly in hard-to-reach settlements.”
The campaign is being supported by local health workers, village leaders, and community volunteers who are helping to mobilize residents and dispel vaccine misinformation. Educational materials are also being distributed to ensure families understand the importance of completing the full course of tetanus vaccinations.
The Tsabong District Council has committed to monitoring progress weekly and adjusting strategies where needed to ensure the campaign meets its targets.
As the campaign gains momentum, health officials are calling on all residents to cooperate with outreach teams and ensure their children and families are protected. With a strong community response, Tsabong aims not only to improve tetanus vaccination rates but to strengthen its overall public health system for future generations.
