THE Health and Child Care ministry says it is targeting vaccinating nearly 1,5 million children in the ongoing national mass drug administration (MDA) campaign targeting schistosomiasis (SCH), also known as bilharzia.
The campaign, which started running on Monday and ends on Saturday, focuses on seven rural provinces, the ministry said in a statement.
“The Ministry of Health and Child Care has embarked on the national mass drug administration (MDA) for schistosomiasis (SCH) or bilharzia, a critical public health initiative targeting children aged five to 14 years with the goal of eliminating SCH as a public health concern in Zimbabwe,” the ministry said.
“The campaign targets seven rural provinces Mashonaland East, Mashonaland West, Mashonaland Central, Midlands, Manicaland, Matabeleland South and Masvingo.
“The free treatment will be administered at your nearest health facility, primary and secondary school or static health point. The initiative aims to reach 1 477 966 children, who will receive Praziquantel to prevent and treat schistosomiasis.”
The ministry further highlighted the importance of partnerships in ensuring the success of the MDA campaign.
“The campaign is being implemented with vital support from key partners such as Higherlife Foundation, which has provided financial and technical assistance, while the World Health Organisation donated the required medication for the MDA,” the statement added.
Officials said the school and community-based intervention represents a major milestone in the country’s fight against schistosomiasis.
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“This extensive school and community-based intervention marks a significant milestone towards eliminating schistosomiasis and improving the health and wellbeing of children in the targeted regions,” the statement read.
Schistosomiasis is a waterborne parasitic disease affecting millions of people globally, with children particularly vulnerable due to exposure during recreational or domestic water contact.
The 2026 MDA campaign is part of a sustained effort by the ministry and its partners to eliminate schistosomiasis nationwide.
