Online Reporter
Fungai Lupande
Mashonaland Central Bureau
The Government has intensified efforts to close immunisation gaps in Mashonaland Central with the commissioning of three Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) service vehicles aimed at improving access to vaccines in remote communities.
Speaking at Bindura Provincial Hospital on Thursday, Mashonaland Central Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Christopher Magomo, said the vehicles will serve Mt Darwin, Mazowe and Guruve districts, bringing life-saving services closer to the people.
The move comes barely a month after the commissioning of a mobile health clinic at the same institution, underscoring the Government’s push to strengthen health service delivery at the grassroots level.
“These vehicles represent more than just transport; they symbolise our collective commitment to protecting every child from vaccine-preventable diseases,” said Minister Magomo.
He noted that while confidence in vaccines remains high across the province, access challenges, particularly long distances to health facilities, continue to hinder uptake in some areas.
“Recent assessments show that the issue is not willingness, but access, convenience and efficiency of our health delivery systems,” he said.
The newly commissioned vehicles are expected to enhance outreach programmes by enabling health workers to reach hard-to-access communities more frequently and consistently.
Minister Magomo said the intervention will improve vaccination coverage, reduce missed opportunities for immunisation and ensure no child is left behind.
He reiterated that immunisation remains one of the most cost-effective public health interventions, playing a critical role in reducing child mortality and building a healthy population.
The initiative forms part of the Government’s broader strategy to strengthen the health sector under the leadership of President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa.
Minister Magomo said sustained investment in health infrastructure, equipment and service delivery is key to achieving national development targets under Vision 2030.
He urged district health authorities in Mt Darwin, Mazowe and Guruve to ensure proper use and maintenance of the vehicles.
“These are valuable public assets that must be safeguarded and used strictly for their intended purpose of improving access to life-saving vaccines,” he said.
The commissioning marks another milestone in Zimbabwe’s efforts to build a resilient health system and ensure equitable access to essential services, particularly for children in rural communities.
