Outreach drive targets declining childhood vaccination rates in KZN

Childhood and infant immunisation rates are declining nationwide, prompting the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health to ramp up outreach efforts. The Isibhedlela Kubantu programme will commence in eDumbe Local Municipality in Zululand District starting Tuesday. This flagship initiative aims to encourage parents and caregivers to ensure children receive routine vaccinations, addressing socio-economic inequalities and barriers to healthcare access.

KZN Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane highlighted that falling immunisation coverage threatens South Africa's ability to meet the WHO's recommended 90% vaccination threshold, which is crucial for population-level protection against vaccine-preventable diseases. The programme tackles socio-economic barriers such as poverty, transport challenges, and affordability while bringing healthcare services closer to communities.

Simelane noted that vaccine hesitancy and anti-vaccination rhetoric grew during the COVID-19 pandemic, exacerbating existing downward trends. Factors like misinformation, transport issues, and changing priorities are contributing to the decline. From 2021 to 2025, first-dose routine immunisation coverage for infants dropped from 87% to 67%, and the hexavalent vaccine coverage fell from 87% to 60.5%.

The department is deploying outreach teams to early childhood development centres and underserved areas to identify children who missed vaccinations and ensure they receive necessary doses. A multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals will use mobile clinics and outreach vehicles to provide essential healthcare services and help parents bring their children up to date with routine immunisations.