Zimbabwe is set to commence the rollout of the Oral Cholera Vaccination (OCV) with the aim of reaching over 800,000 individuals in high-risk areas across the country.
This initial phase is part of a larger effort that will see 2.3 million vaccine doses distributed to 29 severely affected districts in the coming weeks.
In response to the surge in cholera cases in recent months, the country is emphasizing the importance of preventive measures, with Zimbabwean Health and Child Care Minister, Dr. Douglas Mombeshora, stressing the vaccine's role in saving lives and urging all citizens to take it seriously.
"This is a preventable disease and it is very sad that we have lost lives to it. Today we are here to receive vaccines, which come on the side of prevention," said Dr. Mombeshora. "I would like to urge all Zimbabweans to take this vaccine seriously because it helps and it will save lives. It is not new; we have used it before."
The first batch of 294,000 doses has been dispatched to Masvingo in preparation for the vaccination campaign. The cholera vaccine is known to provide approximately 85% protection for the first six months after administration.
In addition to vaccination, efforts are being made to address the underlying causes of the outbreak, particularly the challenge of accessing clean water in communities.
The WHO and UNICEF are working together with the Zimbabwean government, emphasizing the need for a unified approach to fight the disease.
"WHO and UNICEF combined efforts have ensured swift vaccine deployment, improved knowledge on cholera prevention measures, and strengthened healthcare systems in affected communities," WHO representative to Zimbabwe, Dr Jean Marie Dangou said said.
He added that the "fight against this deadly disease demands a united front. We urge all partners from donors, non-governmental organisations, civil society and the private sector leaders and individuals, to step forward and join this crucial crusade."
The consignment of vaccine doses is part of the 2.3 million allocated to Zimbabwe by the International Coordinating Group (ICG) on Vaccine Provision with support from the WHO and UNICEF. The funding for these vaccines has been facilitated by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, through the ICG.