Story by Patience Nyagato
ZIMBABWE’S drive to achieve its 95 percent immunisation target for children is well on course, as the national measles-rubella and Vitamin A campaign nears completion, drawing an overwhelming turnout of parents eager to protect their little ones.
While measles outbreaks have surged in some parts of the world, including the United States and Europe, Zimbabwe is taking a proactive route, maintaining high immunity levels to ensure such outbreaks never occur.
A snap survey in Harare and Goromonzi districts revealed strong participation, with both mothers and fathers arriving early at clinics to have their children vaccinated during the week-long government-led campaign.
“My wife has gone to work, so I decided to come with my children myself. Health officials told us the importance of getting our children vaccinated, and we made sure our kids wouldn’t miss the opportunity,” a parent said.
The campaign targets children aged 9 to 59 months for the measles-rubella jab, and those aged 6 to 59 months for Vitamin A supplements, which help boost immunity and protect eyesight.
“Here we had a target of 7 775 eligible children for both Vitamin A and measles-rubella. I am glad to say we have met that target. By day four, district coverage stood at 91.5 percent, thanks to strong community mobilisation,” Goromonzi District Medical Officer Dr Simbarashe Mundawaro said.
“Even where there is no outbreak, prevention remains key. When children miss vaccination, immunity gaps widen and can expose the community to outbreaks,” Harare Metropolitan Provincial Nursing officer, Mr Daniel Mashava added.
Measles remains one of the world’s most contagious diseases, but through sustained vaccination efforts, Zimbabwe continues to shield its children and lessen the economic burden of preventable illnesses.
To ensure every eligible child is reached, the campaign has been extended to Sunday at selected centres.
