Zambia: Mwinilunga District in North-western Province announced their plan to vaccinate over 28,000 children against measles. The project is being implemented during the ongoing Measles Rubella Supplementary Immunisation Activities.
District Health Services Director, Kashamba Menda announced that 28,522 children between the ages of nine months to 59 months are expected to be vaccinated. The facility will be available from all health centres and other immunisation points of the district
Speaking during the district launch of the vaccination exercise to run from 23rd to 28th September 2024, Dr Menda encouraged parents to have their children immunised so that they are protected from measles.
“All the health centres in the District will be conducting this important exercise, other mobile points will also be identified where staff will be deployed to provide these services,” Dr Menda said.
He noted that the district has in the last two years recorded an increase in measles cases from 30 to about 137 cases which he said is of concern to government.
Dr Menda explained that measles is a deadly disease with severe effects on children among them damage to the brain, eyes and other vital body organs.
And District Commissioner, Harrison Kamuna, said immunisation against various diseases is a key step to significantly reduce the country’s disease burden and guaranteeing a productive population.
Kamuna appreciated local and international cooperating partners for coming on board with various requirements such as supply of adequate vaccines to reach every child in all parts of the district.
“Government recognises efforts from cooperating partners such as UNICEF, CIDRZ, WHO among others in this exercise and extends its deepest gratitude to them for their support,” he said.
He called for active participation of all community stakeholders in the exercise to ensure a successful immunisation exercise.
Charles Nyamachaka, who is village headman Nyamachaka, said he will collaborate with the government by mobilising his community to take part in the exercise.
Meanwhile, Manyinga Town Council Chairperson, Henry Sakuwaha has re-affirmed government’s commitment to the provision of better health care services for its people.
Sakuwaha was speaking when he officially launched the Measles Rubella Campaign held at headman Mundanyas residence in Manyinga District today.
He noted that the campaign is a vital initiative that aims to protect children and communities.
Sakuwaha further added that measles and rubella are preventable diseases that can have devastating consequences.
He stated that through the campaign, government is taking a significant step towards ensuring a healthier future for all.
Sakuwaha said vaccination is not just a personal choice but a collective responsibility as immunising children safeguards their health and the well-being of the community.
