HURUNGWE district is targeting to vaccinate approximately 60 000 children for measles and rubella.
The blitz is set to run from October 6 to 10 this year.
Hurungwe district health promotions officer Komberero Gotosa told stakeholders at a meeting that 10 teams will be deployed for the programme.
He said the thrust would be on campaigning so that they reach their target on time.
“We are targeting some children who missed vaccination due to Christianity and other social beliefs, but it is worthy trying to help out.
“COVID-19 disrupted several services and it is high time we picked up to the lost time and revival of vaccination of measles to children who may be affected by the most highly infectious diseases like measles.
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“Our target is pegged at 58 733 children in Hurungwe. The campaign is outreach with mostly schools as vaccination centres.”
Meanwhile, Hurungwe district medical officer Munyaradzi Chidaushe said it was imperative for continued success of the programme, especially within the government sector.
“At one time, measles was a challenge, but our aim is to maintain high levels of vaccination,” he said.
“We look forward to see all children vaccinated on time.
“Measles can be controlled.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Hurungwe district nursing officer Alice Chiganga said measles was a viral disease, where humans are only a reservoir and transmission is primarily person to person through aerosol droplets.
“Measles can be cured, but if not attended to on time, it can lead to complications including diarrhoea, blindness and pneumonia, among others.
“Measles affects mostly developing countries. Rubella (German measles) is another disease affecting mostly unborn children during the first three months,” she said.
Material rubella infections in early pregnancy can cause miscarriage, foetal death or a combination of disabling conditions.
“The campaign is aimed at pushing for herd immunity and cover the gaps for defaulters,” she said.
Globally, an estimated 10,3 million people were infected with measles in 2023.
According to the World Health Organisation, measles vaccination averted more than 60 million deaths between 2000 and 2023.