By Staff Reporter
The Ministry of Health, in partnership with UNICEF, WHO, and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has launched an ambitious oral cholera vaccination campaign targeting 2.3 million people nationwide.
With over 20,000 suspected cases and 400 confirmed or suspected deaths since the outbreak began last year, the initiative aims to curb the spread of this deadly disease.
The campaign prioritizes high-risk districts in seven provinces, using the safe and effective Euvichol-Plus oral vaccine.
Dr. Prosper Chonzi, Harare City’s health director, emphasized the vaccine’s broad benefit, protecting individuals from cholera and mitigating complications even if they contract the disease.
“We are administering the cholera oral vaccine to our residents who are one year and above.
“It is a very safe vaccine which actually prevents one from developing the disease itself. If you get the disease it will prevent you from further complications.
“We have used this before in 2018 in Harare, Chipinge and other areas and we know the efficiency, effectiveness and safety is 100%.
“We encourage all who have not been vaccinated to come forward and get vaccinated. We will be going house to house, schools, shopping centers, churches looking for the unvaccinated,” Chonzi said.
More than 100 people were vaccinated on Monday.
Residents aged one year and above are encouraged to participate in the vaccination drive, which will reach them through house-to-house visits, schools, shopping centers, and churches. The response has been positive, with over 100 vaccinations administered on the first day itself.
This campaign represents a crucial step towards controlling the cholera outbreak and protecting vulnerable communities. By targeting high-risk areas and ensuring high vaccination coverage, Zimbabwe hopes to significantly reduce the disease burden and pave the way for a healthier future.
