WHO praise Zim for rolling out massive vaccination campaign

By a Correspondent
ZIMBABWE has received praise from the World Health Organisation (WHO) for rolling out a massive vaccination campaign that saw close to 2 million children inoculated against measles.
The world health body said because of the vaccination exercise, Zimbabwe managed to contain the measles outbreak in the country after the first case was reported in April 2022.
Reacting to the outbreak, the government launched a mass vaccination campaign in August 2022 targeting 2,3 million children.
“Launched by Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Health and Child Care after a measles outbreak emerged in the country’s eastern Manicaland Province, which borders Mozambique, in April 2022, the measles vaccination campaign played a crucial role in bringing the outbreak under control. By 30 September 2022, nearly 7,701 cases and 747 deaths had been recorded across Zimbabwe, making this the worst measles outbreak to have ever afflicted the country,” said WHO in a statement.
“New cases dropped significantly towards the end of 2022 because of the comprehensive response to the outbreak by the country, with vaccination playing a significant role.
The outbreak seems to be now under control. According to the Weekly Disease Surveillance System (WDSS) report of the week ending 29 January 2023, the cumulative measles cases for the period 1-28 January 2023 were six cases and zero deaths.”
WHO representative in Zimbabwe Professor Jean-Marie Dangou said the second phase of the vaccination campaign was conducted between January 30 and February 9, 2023, targeting all children who were not reached during the first phase.
“This second round was conducted in 10 priority districts and allowed to vaccinate 475 368 more children in February 2023. Despite strong initial vaccine hesitancy, national and local health authorities have mounted an efficient response to this outbreak, addressing people’s concerns, explaining the benefits and safety of vaccines and helping to implement a robust detection system. We must all continue to play our part to ensure that no more children die from this disease,” said Prof Dangou.