In the face of a growing measles outbreak, Gauteng’s health officials are hitting the road—literally.

In a bold move to reach children who might otherwise fall through the cracks, the province has rolled out seven new mobile health units as part of its Integrated School Health Programme (ISHP).

It’s all about making healthcare easier to access for every learner, no matter where they live.

A Powerful Message from the Province

Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko made it official on Friday when she handed over the new vehicles at a ceremony held at Inxiweni Primary School in Tembisa.

But this wasn’t just a ribbon-cutting moment—it was a public declaration that children’s health is a top priority.

“This is more than just giving out vehicles,” she said.

“It’s our way of telling young people that their health really matters.”

She emphasized that the new mobile units will help deliver essential health services directly to schools—especially those in hard-to-reach or underserved communities.

What the New Mobile Teams Will Offer

The mobile clinics won’t just be showing up for vaccinations.

The ISHP teams who’ll be operating them will provide a range of health services, including:

General health screenings
Routine immunisations
Health education and awareness

It’s a comprehensive package aimed at keeping schoolchildren healthier, safer, and better informed.

Worrying Gaps in Vaccine Coverage

The push for mobile clinics comes at a critical time.

Health officials are raising red flags about dangerously low immunisation rates in some of Gauteng’s biggest cities.

Both Johannesburg and Tshwane are falling short of the recommended 95% vaccination coverage for the second dose of the measles vaccine—currently sitting below 75%.

“These new vehicles will help us bridge that gap,” said Nkomo-Ralehoko.

“They’re not just vans—they’re lifelines that can help us stop measles and rubella from spreading any further.”

Long-Term Health Investment

While this rollout is a direct response to the current measles crisis, it’s also part of a broader strategy.

According to the MEC, the mobile health units represent a long-term investment in better public health outcomes for the province.

The goal? To make sure kids who might not make it to a clinic still get the medical care they need—starting with vaccinations.

Breaking Down Barriers to Care

For many families in Gauteng’s more remote or underserved communities, accessing healthcare can be a real challenge.

These mobile clinics aim to change that by bringing services right to the school gates.

It’s a way of catching kids up on missed immunisations and tackling the outbreak at the root.

So, will this mobile strategy be enough to stop measles in its tracks?

Only time will tell, but Gauteng’s health department is clearly not waiting around to find out.