Staff Reporter

Government, under the Ministry of Health and Child Care, has launched a national polio vaccination campaign targeting children below the age of five years. Running from November 26 to 29, 2024. The campaign is part of efforts to maintain the country’s polio-free status, while protecting children from the potentially disabling disease.

In an interview with this publication, Dr. Nyasha Maposa, a paediatrician at Parirenyatwa Hospital, stressed the significance of the initiative.
“Polio remains a threat in our region, even though Zimbabwe has been polio-free since 2006. Vaccination is the most effective way to protect our children and prevent resurgence. I urge all parents and care-givers to ensure their little ones are immunized during this campaign,” she said.

Nurse Christine Hove, stationed at a mobile outreach point, in Glen View, highlighted the accessibility of the program.
“Our teams are working tirelessly across clinics, schools, and communities to ensure no child is left behind. Vaccines are safe, effective, and freely available. This campaign is about safeguarding the next generation,” she explained.

Parents and caregivers, in Harare, praised the initiative, commending the Government for making the vaccines easily accessible. Rutendo Ncube, a caregiver from Highfield, expressed her relief.
“It’s reassuring to see the Government prioritize our children’s health. For caregivers like me, this campaign makes it easy to protect the children in our care without needing to visit hospitals,” she said.
Similarly, John Chari, a father from Kuwadzana, called the program timely. “This vaccination drive gives us peace of mind. Polio can devastate lives, and the fact that these vaccines are free and brought to our doorsteps shows great foresight from the health authorities,” he said.

The Ministry of Health is targeting 95% vaccination coverage nationwide and has urged parents and caregivers to visit vaccination centers or allow health workers into their homes.

Although Zimbabwe has not recorded a polio case in nearly two decades, health experts warn of risks posed by outbreaks in neighboring countries. The Ministry of Health and Child Care has therefore intensified efforts to boost herd immunity and prevent potential infections.
This initiative, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, is part of Zimbabwe’s broader health strategy to combat preventable diseases and protect vulnerable populations.