Story by Patience Nyagato
AS part of efforts to protect children from preventable diseases, Zimbabwe is partnering with development agencies to ensure every child under the age of five receives routine immunisations against illnesses such as measles, polio, and rubella.
The country’s immunisation programme is recognised as one of the most effective public health interventions, credited with safeguarding millions of young lives.
However, challenges including religious beliefs, cultural practices, and the scattered nature of rural communities continue to hamper full immunisation coverage.
In Msengezi, Chegutu District, mother Violet Gonye recalls how her family’s religious beliefs once prevented her children from being vaccinated.
“I was married into a family that disapproved of medicine. I had eight children, but now we are left with six. When my kids got sick, I realised the importance of immunisation. Since then, I have been ensuring they receive their vaccines,” said Violet.
Her experience is not unique. Some families, especially in remote and nomadic communities, and those with faith-based objections, remain hesitant about vaccines.
“I don’t believe in vaccines, and I don’t intend to take any of my children to the clinic,” said one community member.
Another added, “We have our own ways to deal with diseases, using cooking oil, cotton wool, and prayers for measles.”
Health workers are addressing these challenges with innovative outreach strategies aimed at reaching zero-dose and under-immunised children.
Ms Wadzanai Dumba, Sister-in-Charge at Mupfure Clinic, explained that some parents miss vaccination schedules due to work or distance.
“Some don’t come in time because they work on farms or live far away. We have started facility outreaches to reach those who find it difficult to come to clinics,” she said.
Village health workers are critical in this effort, tracking and following up on children who miss their vaccinations.
“We work closely with communities, helping mothers during childbirth and promoting immunisation. Currently, we are running a campaign on measles and rubella vaccination from the 6th to the 10th of this month,” said Ms Anna Chigodo, Community Health Worker at Mupfure Clinic.
With support from partners such as Crown Agents, the government is strengthening vaccination systems, expanding outreach services, and training more health workers to leave no child behind.
Dr Sandra Mhuriro, Chegutu District Medical Officer, highlighted the success of the zero-dose project.
“When zero-dose children come to clinics, community health workers help us identify and vaccinate them. The project runs in 24 facilities, where trained village workers partner with local leaders and herdsmen to educate communities and refer unvaccinated children to clinics,” she said.
Zimbabwe’s immunisation drive remains committed to a single goal: ensuring every child across the country is protected through timely access to lifesaving vaccines.
