Zimbabwe begins oral cholera vaccination

By John Cassim

HARARE, Zimbabwe – Battling a deadly cholera outbreak, Zimbabwe on Monday launched the oral cholera vaccination (OCV) campaign targeting 2.3 million citizens in high-risk areas.

The campaign comes at a time when the country is grappling with a cholera outbreak that has affected 21,000 people countrywide and claimed more than 400 people, in 60 out of 63 districts, since Feb. 12 last year.

To kickstart the campaign, the southern African country has so far received nearly 900,000 doses out of the required 2.3 million doses from the International Coordination Group (ICG).

According to Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora, the vaccines acquired are the same as those used following the 2018 and 2020 cholera outbreaks.

“The country is receiving the doses in batches due to a global shortage and as such we will prioritize the most sensitive areas and all citizens from the ages of one onwards will be eligible,” the minister said during the OCV launch at a clinic in Kuwadzana township in Harare on Monday.

The campaign is taking place with the help of partners such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

“To the communities receiving the vaccines, I urge you to embrace this opportunity. Get vaccinated, learn about hygiene practices, and work together to keep your communities safe. Remember, prevention is always better than cure.

“Oral cholera vaccines offer a safe, effective, and long-lasting shield against this deadly disease. They provide critical immunity, protecting individuals and communities from the devastating consequences of cholera outbreaks,” said WHO representative Dr. Jean-Marie Dangou.

Zimbabwe is experiencing a resurgence of a cholera outbreak owing to erratic provision of water especially in the capital Harare as well as non-collection of waste in communities.