Zimbabwe launched a nationwide measles-rubella vaccination campaign on Monday, targeting more than 2.5 million children. Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora initiated the drive at Stoneridge Clinic in Harare for children aged six to 59 months through Oct. 10. Free vaccines and vitamin A supplements are available at health facilities and through mobile teams.
The government seeks to close immunity gaps after the 2022-2023 measles outbreak affected thousands of children. Coverage remains below the 95 percent herd immunity threshold despite progress since 2015, when authorities introduced a second measles vaccine dose. Mombeshora said measles causes severe complications in malnourished children, while rubella threatens pregnant women and unborn babies.
Parents welcomed the initiative to eliminate preventable childhood diseases. The campaign strengthens Zimbabwe's child health commitments by ensuring universal protection against both diseases through expanded access to routine immunization services.
The government seeks to close immunity gaps after the 2022-2023 measles outbreak affected thousands of children. Coverage remains below the 95 percent herd immunity threshold despite progress since 2015, when authorities introduced a second measles vaccine dose. Mombeshora said measles causes severe complications in malnourished children, while rubella threatens pregnant women and unborn babies.
Parents welcomed the initiative to eliminate preventable childhood diseases. The campaign strengthens Zimbabwe's child health commitments by ensuring universal protection against both diseases through expanded access to routine immunization services.
