By Hamu Madzedze
Zimbabweans have been urged to take up the oral Cholera vaccine as it is an important component in reducing cases of the disease.
The call was made by the Minister of Health and Child Care ,Dr Douglas Mombeshora after receiving a consignment of 892 286 doses of the oral cholera vaccine from the World Health Organisation and UNICEF.
Dr Mombeshora said Zimbabwe should take the oral cholera vaccination seriously as it helps in saving lives and reduces Cholera mortality.
"All Zimbabweans should take the vaccine seriously as it is part of the country's Cholera prevention strategies and an additional measure to reducing cases of Cholera", he said.
Dr Mombeshora said tomorrow (Monday the 29th of January 2024) a launch of the vaccination program will be held in Kuwadzana high density surburb one of the Cholera epicentres.
"As we receive another consignment ,over 200 000 cholera vaccines have been dispatched to Masvingo Province "said Dr Mombeshora.
Picture: From the left WHO country representative Professor Jeanie-Marie Dangou, in the middle the Minister of Health and Child Care Dr Douglas Mombeshora and UNICEF country representative Dr Tajudeen Oyewale.
Minister Mombeshora reiterated government's commitment to the provision of safe water and sanitation for every citizen in both rural and urban settings.
"More than 3 000 boreholes have been drilled in rural areas and a total of 35 000 is expected to be drilled by 2025 "said the health minister.
He also pointed out that a clean up campaign is being carried out in Harare as part of government's efforts to ensure the city retains its sunshine city status which is key in the fight against Cholera.
"We are working together with the city fathers in carrying out the clean up campaign and plans are underway to roll out the campaign to other cities " said Dr Mombeshora.
Meanwhile the World Health Organisation (WHO) country representative Professor Jean-Marie Dangou said the vaccines Zimbabwe has received is part of the 2,3 million Cholera vaccines the country is set to receive following the approval by WHO International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision.
Professor Dangou said WHO recommends the use of the vaccine as an additional measure to limit the spread of the disease during the Cholera crisis.
He said the handover of the vaccines by WHO, UNICEF and Gavi to the government of Zimbabwe is a powerful symbol to protecting and safeguarding the lives of the people of Zimbabwe.
"The handover of the vaccines is a symbol of our collective commitment to protecting the lives of this great nation"said Professor Dangou.
However he emphasised the need for provision of good sanitation facilities and clean water as Cholera thrives where sanitation and clean water are scarce.
The UNICEF country representative Dr Tajudeen Oyewale said the vaccine is an additional tool for boosting the immunity of the community and reducing their vulnerability to Cholera.
Dr Oyewale pointed out that UNICEF and other partners will continue investing towards Cholera case management and provision of access to clean water and sanitation to the people of Zimbabwe.
"We are committed to seeing this through to the end and we will not retire or tire until Cholera ends, said the UNICEF representative.
To date over 20 000 cholera cases have been reported in Zimbabwe and 300 people have so far died from the water- borne disease.
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