Editorial Comment: Immunisation days: Give children the protection they deserve

The week-long immunisation days are targeting nearly two million children between the ages of zero and 59 months.
The importance of taking children for vaccination cannot be over-emphasised. It is the duty of every parent and guardian to ensure their children are vaccinated and given the necessary vitamin supplements.
Parents should play their part in contributing towards the reduction of child morbidity and mortality.
Over the years the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare has adopted strategies to reduce the unacceptably high rates of childhood deaths. But for the strategies to succeed they need buy in from parents and guardians because when child health problems are addressed, the maximum development of the child is guaranteed.
Speaking at the launch of the National Immunisation Days, United Nations Children’s Fund country representative Dr Peter Salama said full immunisation coverage is still low in Zimbabwe with the figures standing at 65 percent across the country.
This rate of coverage is the reason why we are urging parents, guardians and care-givers to take heed of calls by the Ministry of Health and have their children immunised.
We understand the biggest cause of the decrease in seeking medical care is the cost involved, but in the case of immunisation of children, the Government provides this free of charge with the help of its partners who include donor countries and multilateral agencies.
So there is absolutely no excuse for parents not to have their children vaccinated.
Immunisation is being offered countrywide and parents can take their children to any centre even if they are travelling.
The reasons for not taking children for immunisation have largely been religious beliefs, lack of care and sheer ignorance. Some Apostolic sects are known for refusing to take their children for immunisation although some now understand the importance of preventing child diseases.
However, we applaud the Apostolic sects that have seen the light and are now allowing their members to take children for immunisation.
Speaking after the launch of the National Immunisation Days, leaders of some of the Apostolic churches urged their members to deviate from the doctrine that disallows them from seeking medical care.
It was encouraging to hear the general secretary of the Union for the Development of Apostolic and Zionist Churches in Zimbabwe and Africa, Reverend Edson Tsvakai, saying every child should be immunised.
“Some Apostolic sects still believe that God is the provider and protector for everything even in sickness. But now we are saying to our members why should we continue clinging to the doctrine yet our children continue to die from preventable and treatable diseases.
“We call upon all the 450 sects under our union to move away from this doctrine and rally behind immunisation programmes for the good of our children,” said Rev Tsvakai.
Children are the future and they need our protection, love and care to realise their full potential.