Zimbabwe allocated $1.9 million for a nationwide measles-rubella vaccination campaign targeting young children. Health and Child Care Minister Douglas Mombeshora launched the program on Monday at Stoneridge Clinic in Harare, where initial vaccinations began. The initiative runs through Friday and aims to immunize all children aged six to 59 months with measles-rubella vaccine and vitamin A supplements.
Free vaccinations are available at clinics, hospitals, and through outreach teams in every district. Mombeshora challenged vaccine hesitancy based on personal beliefs, stating the government-sanctioned campaign applies to all children regardless of religion and social status. He called on traditional leaders, faith leaders, community health workers, and local authorities to support health teams and counter misinformation.
The government provided $1.9 million for operational costs as global funding decreases. UNICEF country representative Etona Ekole emphasized that measles and rubella remain serious threats to child survival despite being preventable. Parents welcomed the vaccination drive, with Rumbidzai Mudzivo and Thandiwe Jabangwe expressing gratitude for protecting children from preventable diseases.
Free vaccinations are available at clinics, hospitals, and through outreach teams in every district. Mombeshora challenged vaccine hesitancy based on personal beliefs, stating the government-sanctioned campaign applies to all children regardless of religion and social status. He called on traditional leaders, faith leaders, community health workers, and local authorities to support health teams and counter misinformation.
The government provided $1.9 million for operational costs as global funding decreases. UNICEF country representative Etona Ekole emphasized that measles and rubella remain serious threats to child survival despite being preventable. Parents welcomed the vaccination drive, with Rumbidzai Mudzivo and Thandiwe Jabangwe expressing gratitude for protecting children from preventable diseases.
