Online Reporter
Diana Nherera
The Ministry of Health and Child Care will next week conduct an integrated Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Tetanus-Diphtheria (Td) vaccination campaign aimed at protecting children against cervical cancer and other potentially life-threatening diseases.
The vaccination exercise will run from Monday to Friday
In a notice, Chitungwiza Municipality acting health services director, Mr Herbert Chirowodza, said the vaccination drive was necessitated by the low coverage of the HPV vaccine (for girls in grade 5) being reported in health facilities.
“This will, however, put our young girls at high risk of contracting Human Papillomavirus in adulthood, thereby increasing the prevalence of cervical cancer among women. Being vaccinated with the HPV vaccine reduces the risk of developing cervical cancer,” he said.
Mr Chirowodza said for the elimination of tetanus and diphtheria, all children (boys and girls) five and 10 years will be vaccinated against Tetanus and Diphtheria (Td).
“The Td vaccine will provide protection against serious bacterial infections of Tetanus and Diphtheria, which can lead to paralysis and death,” he said.
Mr Chirowodza said Tetanus (Lockjaw) is caused by bacteria entering the body through cuts or wounds.
“It can lead to painful, rigid muscle spasms, locked jaws and can lead to death,” he said.
Mr Chirowodza said Diphtheria is a highly contagious infection affecting the nose and throat.
“It creates a thick coating in the airway that causes breathing difficulties, heart failure, paralysis and death,” he said.
Mr Chirowodza said vaccination teams in Chitungwiza will be visiting primary schools in order to vaccinate all eligible children.
He said the vaccination exercise is in line with the country’s commitment to reducing the prevalence of cervical cancer and eliminating tetanus and Diphtheria.
“The city health department is kindly requesting parents and caregivers to ensure that their children are vaccinated,” said Mr Chirowodza.
