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Days calling on parents to take children to designated health institutions for vaccination.
The immunisation days will last for a week, with nearly two million children between the ages of zero and 59 months expected to benefit.
“Our teams are already on the ground at all health care facilities in the country, outreach points as well as other venues, which my staff and communities have agreed on as access points for the vaccinations,” Dr Madzorera.
He said Government was committed to reducing the child mortality rate by providing life-serving interventions to all children.
Dr Madzorera said children will be vaccinated against measles, polio and given Vitamin A supplement during the campaign expected to end on June 22. He emphasised both routine immunisations and National Immunisation Days (NIDs). Dr Madzorera said the NIDs were specifically carried out to provide an opportunity for children who failed to develop antibodies to fight diseases when they were immunised. Those who missed out the opportunity during their routine immunisations will also be catered for.
“Children who may be due for other antigens may take the opportunity of this exercise to obtain a catch up antigens and join others who will be guaranteed a healthy life,” said Dr Madzorera.
Speaking at the same occasion, the United Nations Children’s Fund country representative Dr Peter Salama applauded some apostolic sects for allowing children to be vaccinated. He encouraged the use of new vaccines to curb child mortality. WHO country representative Dr Custodia Mandhlate emphasised the strengthening of routine immunisations.
“There is need to keep on working to eradicate polio and measles worldwide as it is also part of the Millennium Development Goals on health.”
Japanese ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Yonezo Fukuda, whose Government is funding the programme, said last month they provided US$3,9 million for drug supply and cold chain equipment towards the Zimbabwe Expanded Programme on Immunisation.
“We fully support your efforts to prevent and reduce infant morbidity and mortality and improve child survival by ensuring that all children, particularly the under fives are timeously immunised against fatal, but preventable diseases,” Mr Fukuda said.
This year will be the fourth since Zimbabwe started setting aside immunisation days.
Online Reporter