Lusaka, Sep 21
Zambia launched a nationwide measles vaccination campaign to immunise around 4 million children aged between nine months and five years.
The measles-rubella drive will take place in all 116 districts across the country from September 23 to 28, in collaboration with various partners.
"Measles has no cure and vaccination of infants remains the most effective method for its prevention and control," Health Minister Elijah Muchima said during the campaign's launch in Lusaka, the country's capital, on Friday.
He said recent surveillance reports have revealed sporadic measles outbreaks in both previously affected and unaffected areas, highlighting immunity gaps among children under five years of age, according to news agency.
Muchima noted that the risk of outbreaks has increased, with 2,200 cases and 44 deaths reported in 2022. This year, suspected cases have risen to over 4,412, with three reported deaths.
He emphasised that there is no justification for measles to continue claiming children's lives and called for the full support of stakeholders to ensure all targeted children are vaccinated.