In the face of a menacing cholera outbreak, Zimbabwe embarked on a critical mission on Monday—the initiation of an oral cholera vaccination (OCV) campaign with the ambitious aim of safeguarding 2.3 million citizens residing in high-risk regions.
The timing of this campaign couldn’t be more crucial, unfolding against the backdrop of a nation grappling with a cholera crisis that has cast its shadow over 21,000 people across the country. An alarming toll of more than 400 lives has been claimed by this relentless epidemic, permeating 60 out of 63 districts since the ominous date of February 12 of the preceding year.
As the nation braced itself for this monumental endeavour, Zimbabwe found itself in possession of a crucial arsenal—nearly 900,000 doses received to date from the esteemed International Coordination Group (ICG), constituting a formidable defence against the impending threat.
Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora, a beacon of leadership amid the crisis, shed light on the gravity of the situation. The acquired vaccines, he disclosed, were identical to those deployed in response to the cholera outbreaks of 2018 and 2020—a testament to the nation’s resilience and learned response to such dire circumstances.
Yet, challenges loomed on the horizon as the country grappled with a global shortage, necessitating the distribution of doses in strategic batches.
Minister Mombeshora emphasised a strategic approach, prioritising the most vulnerable and sensitive areas, a testament to the nation’s commitment to mitigating the impact of this public health crisis. Every citizen aged one and above would be eligible, underlining the inclusivity of the vaccination effort.
The launch of the OCV campaign was not a mere bureaucratic event but a momentous occasion, unfolding at a clinic in Kuwadzana township in Harare on a Monday, a symbolic convergence of determination and urgency. Here, Minister Mombeshora addressed the gathered assembly, unveiling the comprehensive plan to combat the cholera menace that had cast a shadow over the nation.
Crucially, this monumental campaign did not unfold in isolation. Partnerships formed a cornerstone of this collective effort to combat the outbreak. Organisations of global repute, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), rallied alongside Zimbabwe. Their collaborative involvement not only infused resources but also symbolised a global solidarity in the face of a common enemy.
In this multifaceted struggle against cholera, the OCV campaign stands not only as a testament to Zimbabwe’s resilience but also as a poignant illustration of global cooperation, where nations and international organisations unite to confront a shared threat to public health and well-being.
“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.
