Staff Reporter
Government has reached out to faith leaders to advise their congregants to visit vaccination centres as the measles outbreak reaches the 700 death toll mark.
According to a tweet by the Ministry of Health and Child Care, despite the on-going vaccination programme measles outbreak has so far claimed 698 lives with 6 206 confirmed cases and 4 440 recoveries as of Saturday 03 September 2022.
“Zimbabwe had 6 206 confirmed cases including 4 440 recoveries and 698 deaths,” said the Ministry of Health on their twitter page.
According to statistics sent by the Ministry, a total of 13 deaths were confirmed on 03 September alone. Mashonaland West, Matebeleland South and Midlands all recorded four deaths each, whilst Chitungwiza recorded one death bringing the total to 13 casualties.
The Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Monica Mutsvangwa highlighted that of those that had fallen ill or succumbed to measles, a larger proportion are those that come from religious sects, which do not believe in vaccination.
Minister Mutsvangwa appealed to leaders of faith to compliment Government’s efforts by encouraging congregants to get vaccinated in order to curb the measles outbreak.
Leaders like Johanne Masowe Apostolic Church leader, Bishop Andby Makururu is one such influential leader, who the Government is hoping will respond positively to its calls on the vaccination programme.
Government continues to encourage citizens to remain alert and cautious of the measles outbreak. People are also encouraged to take advantage of the current vaccination programme of infants between the ages of six months to 15 years by visiting hospitals and clinics for measles vaccination. Government has also advised people that COVID-19 is prevalent and hence citizens should exercise social distancing and wearing of face masks.
Meanwhile as at 03 September 2022, Zimbabwe had recorded a total of 256 763 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 251 596 recoveries and 5 596 deaths. A total of 6 443 003 had received their 1st dose, whilst 4 797 684 had received their second dose. Furthermore a total of 1 046 774 have received their 3rd dose.
