Online Reporter
Diana Baloyi-Moyo
THERE was a buzz of unity and purpose at Richmond Sabi Infant School on 8 October as parents and guardians turned up in numbers to protect their little ones from the deadly measles virus.
From toddlers clutching juice boxes to mothers balancing babies on their backs, the vaccination drive turned the schoolyard into a hive of care and commitment.
The Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Douglas Mombeshora, officially launched the National Measles-Rubella Vaccination and Vitamin A Supplementation Campaign at Stoneridge Clinic in Harare, marking a renewed national drive to eliminate preventable childhood diseases.
The campaign, running from 6 to 10 October 2025, aims to reach at least 95 percent of children aged 9 to 59 months with the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine, while those aged 6 to 59 months will receive Vitamin A supplements to boost immunity and protect their eyesight.
Measles, a highly contagious viral disease, causes fever, cough, and rash — and can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, diarrhea, and even brain inflammation. Health experts warn that the illness can also cause blindness or hearing loss if untreated.
Community Health Worker in Richmond suburb Simelaphi Lusani Mangena Musasa praised the turnout, saying the campaign showed how informed and proactive residents had become. “Immunisation is the most effective way to prevent measles. The vaccine is safe, works well, and provides long-term protection,” she said.
Local parents said they didn’t want to take any chances. “We are aware of the dangers of measles, hence we responded swiftly,” said Simphiwe Moyo. Her friend,Thobekile Mthombeni, added: “The health workers in our community explained everything clearly. We’re grateful they’re looking out for our children.”
The success of the campaign was credited to early mobilisation efforts — posters plastered across shopping centers, fliers distributed door-to-door, and messages circulating in community WhatsApp groups in the week leading up to the event.
Saziso Moyo from Sabi Infant School said hosting the exercise was an honour. “The school is for the community, and we’re proud that such an important cause took place here,” she said with a smile.
The Ministry of Health commended the turnout and urged those who missed the exercise to seek vaccination at their nearest clinic. “Measles immunization is a crucial step in preventing the spread of this highly contagious disease,” said Musasa.
