Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
City of Harare’s Health Promotion Office’s Epidemiology and Disease Control Division has said it will participate in the first round of the supplementary immunisation campaign using the novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2), targeting all children under five years as part of a coordinated regional response to contain a circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) outbreak.
In a communique, the division said the campaign, being implemented under the guidance of the Ministry of Health and Child Care, will be conducted in selected cross-border districts including Harare which has been identified as part of the strategic implementation areas.
“The Ministry of Health and Child Care will conduct the first round of nOPV2 supplementary immunisation campaign in selected districts in cross-border provinces. Harare City Health Department is among the cross border provinces and will participate in the campaign,” reads the communique.
The campaign will be rolled out in two rounds, with the first phase scheduled for April 20 to April 23, 2026, while the second round will run from June 2 to June 5, 2026.
The division said all children under the age of five — including newborns — will be vaccinated regardless of their prior immunisation status.
The exercise follows confirmation of a cVDPV2 outbreak in Malawi, which has triggered a coordinated regional response involving Zimbabwe and other countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
“This follows a notification about a recent confirmation of an outbreak of circulating vaccine derived poliovirus type 2 in Malawi. The campaign is being undertaken in Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, Botswana and Zimbabwe at the same time,” reads the communique.
The division said poliovirus remains a serious public health threat, particularly to children under five as it can cause irreversible paralysis.
“The virus causes serious health risks and can cause irreversible paralysis in children. The supplementary immunisation campaign is aimed at protecting children and preventing further transmission in the SADC region,” reads the statement .
Vaccination will be conducted at all public health facilities, including clinics and hospitals, as well as through door-to-door teams and outreach points such as churches, markets and other designated community sites.
The division urged parents and guardians to ensure that all eligible children are vaccinated during the campaign period and to present child health cards or vaccination records to health workers.
“Ensure all children under five years are vaccinated, including newborns. Take the child health card or vaccination card and give the health workers as the children get vaccinated,” reads the statement.
It also encouraged communities to support the exercise by disseminating information to ensure high coverage and protect children against the disease.
Zimbabwe is participating in the synchronised regional campaign alongside neighbouring countries including Mozambique, Zambia and Botswana, amid heightened concern over cross-border transmission linked to increased movement of people in the region.
Peter Tanyanyiwa