Hurungwe Launches Measles-Rubella Blitz to Reach Almost 60 000 Children

Hurungwe district launches a five-day measles-rubella vaccination blitz to reach nearly 60,000 children through schools and mobile teams (image source)

Hurungwe district is rolling out a five-day measles-rubella vaccination blitz targeting roughly 58,700 to 60,000 children identified as unvaccinated or defaulting, with health teams set to deploy across schools and outreach sites from 6 to 10 October. The drive seeks to close immunity gaps widened by recent service disruptions and strengthen protection ahead of the rainy season.

District health officials said 10 mobile teams will focus on school-based vaccination and door-to-door outreach to reach children missed due to religious objections, pandemic disruptions, or access challenges. The district medical officer underscored the urgency of restoring herd immunity against measles — one of the most contagious viral diseases — which can lead to pneumonia, blindness, or death if left unchecked. Authorities also warned of rubella’s dangers for pregnant women, noting that the combined MR vaccine prevents congenital rubella syndrome and pregnancy loss.

The campaign is framed as both a catch-up and preventive measure after routine immunisation coverage fell during COVID-19 years. District nursing officers said the strategy includes intensified community mobilisation, collaboration with religious leaders, and targeted messaging to rebuild public confidence in vaccines and overcome hesitancy in high-refusal areas.

Health experts say large-scale MR vaccination campaigns have proven globally effective in preventing child deaths and long-term disability, and local health managers emphasised that this effort complements Zimbabwe’s ongoing national immunisation strategy. Parents were urged to permit school-based vaccinations and community volunteers were called upon to help trace defaulters to ensure the district meets its full coverage target.