Harare, (New Ziana) – The government plans to carryout mass vaccination against mumps and measles in Hurungwe district, Mashonaland West Province, following reports of children dying from the diseases, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere has said.
During this week’s post cabinet press briefing, Dr Muswere said a multi-disciplinary district, provincial and national response team had visited the affected areas to investigate media reports of large numbers of children succumbing to mumps and measles.
The most affected wards and villages are wards 4, 22 and Nyama Village 5 of Hurungwe Rural District Council.
At one point it was reported that more than 35 children had succumbed to suspected measles and mumps in a space of one month, with the children belonging to families affiliated to Apostolic religious sects with some families having lost up to seven children.
“Government will institute a mass vaccination campaign in Hurungwe district targeting all children in the affected areas. It is mandatory for all children to be vaccinated, attend school and receive medical attention. Government will take stern action against those that deliberately defy this Policy,” Dr Muswere said.
New Ziana
