Zimbabwe improves child health through nationwide Immunization campaign

Harare, Zimbabwe - 6-10 October 2025 - Zimbabwe marked a major milestone in child health with the launch of the National Measles-Rubella (MR) Vaccination and Vitamin A Supplementation Campaign at Stoneridge Clinic in Harare. Led by the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC), in collaboration with WHO Zimbabwe, and funded by Gavi and the Government of Zimbabwe, the campaign represents a decisive step toward protecting every child aged 9 to 59 months from preventable diseases.

"Our goal is to reach at least 95% of children with the MR vaccine and provide Vitamin A supplementation to all children aged 6-59 months," confirmed the MoHCC at the launch.

Protecting thousands of children with vaccines

The nationwide campaign, conducted from 6 to 10 October 2025, targeted all children aged 9-59 months, regardless of previous vaccination status. Thousands of children across Zimbabwe received the Measles-Rubella vaccine-many also catching up on missed routine doses-while Vitamin A supplementation was provided to ensure healthy growth and stronger immunity.

Preliminary national coverage stands at an impressive 97.8%, with 1,730,354 children vaccinated out of a target of 1,769,881. This success reflects Zimbabwe's strong commitment to child health, reinforced by historic domestic financing, as the Government of Zimbabwe funded more than half of the total resources required for the campaign. This marks a major step toward national ownership and sustainability, in line with global efforts to strengthen domestic health financing amidst a shifting geopolitical landscape and reductions in global health funding.

To ensure that no child is left behind, a coverage survey will begin in mid-November 2025 to validate administrative data and guide future efforts.

Strengthening community access to services

In Plumtree, Bulilimamangwe District, located in Matabeleland South Province at the border with Botswana, frontline nurse Ncebile Ngwenya highlighted the campaign's positive impact on accessibility:

"The campaign utilised scheduled outreach points, which improved access to immunization services by delivering them at the community level. It will help protect children from measles and rubella, ensuring strong immunity and a healthier future for our communities."

Supporting Health Workers on the Ground

WHO teams provided technical, operational, and field support and monitoring to help address challenges in real time, while dedicated frontline health workers and teachers ensured smooth implementation at every vaccination site. Their commitment has been crucial in making this nationwide effort possible.

A Healthier Future for Zimbabwe's Children

The MR vaccination campaign represents a vital step toward safeguarding children from preventable diseases and strengthening the country's health system.

By vaccinating nearly 1.73 million children, integrating Vitamin A supplementation, and mobilizing strong domestic resources, Zimbabwe is building resilient communities, stronger immunity, and a brighter, healthier future for its children.