By Taurai Mazwi

Ministry of Health and Child Care in conjunction with United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), World Health Organisation (WHO), John Snow Incorporated (JSI), Gavi the Vaccine Alliance and Lion International have been on a three day countrywide Measles and Rubella vaccines and Vitamin A supplement programme for children between nine (9) and 59 months so as to prevent death and disability.

The organisations have been informing the public of the programme that started on, 23 September 2019 and ends today on, 27 September 2019.

Ministry of Health and Child Care has highlighted that Measles and Rubella are highly infectious diseases that can cause disability or death and the vaccinations are being conducted at clinics, schools, pre-schools, churches, outreach points and street markets just to mention a few points.

UNICEF Zimbabwe tweeted, “It is the last day of a successful children’s life-saving roll out of Measles, Rubella and Vitamin A Immunisation Campaign thanks to WHO, Ministry of Health and Child Care and Gavi. Immunisation currently prevents two to three million deaths every year.”

The Ministry of Health on its tweeter handle said the Sustainable Development Goal three (SDG 3) aims to achieve universal health for all.

“SDG 3 aims to achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential healthcare services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.”

Star FM Zimbabwe tweeted, “A Measles and Rubella immunization campaign is underway in Zimbabwe to protect children from these deadly diseases. Early childhood vaccination and Vitamin A supplementation is one of the best way to protect your little one from life threatening diseases...”

African countries such as Uganda are also embarking in the same Measles and Rubella vaccination program.