Zimbabwe launched a nationwide vaccination campaign on Monday to protect 2.5 million children against measles and rubella. Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora initiated the drive at Stoneridge Clinic in Harare, but vaccination coverage remains below the 95 percent target needed for herd immunity. The weeklong effort runs through Oct. 10 and targets children between six months and 59 months old at health facilities across the nation.
The government responded to a 2022-2023 measles outbreak that affected thousands of children after introducing a second vaccine dose in 2015. Health officials distribute free measles-rubella vaccines and Vitamin A supplements through outreach teams. Mombeshora explained that measles poses severe risks to malnourished children, while rubella threatens pregnant women and unborn babies. Parents welcomed the initiative as essential protection against preventable diseases that can cause death.
The government responded to a 2022-2023 measles outbreak that affected thousands of children after introducing a second vaccine dose in 2015. Health officials distribute free measles-rubella vaccines and Vitamin A supplements through outreach teams. Mombeshora explained that measles poses severe risks to malnourished children, while rubella threatens pregnant women and unborn babies. Parents welcomed the initiative as essential protection against preventable diseases that can cause death.
