WHO DELIVERS 5 MILLION VACCINES TO SUPPORT ZAMBIA’S MEASLES VACCINATION CAMPAIGN

World Health Organization (WHO) says it has delivered more than 5 million vaccines at an estimated cost of US$1.1 million to support Zambia’s measles vaccination campaign.

Zambia is targeting to vaccinate more than 4 million children aged between 9 months and 5 months in all 116 districts and protect them from the harmful effects of measles.

Measles is a highly contagious disease that can cause severe complications affecting the eyes, ears, brain and lungs and can result in death particularly for children under the age of five.

Speaking during the launch of the 2024 Measles-Rubella Vaccination Campaign, WHO Country Representative Dr. Nathan Bakyaita, says the United Nations through World Health Organization remains committed to supporting Zambia’s health sector and broader development agenda.

And Health Minister, Dr. Elijah Muchima says Government will continue ensuring adequate budgetary allocation for the procurement of measles-rubella and other traditional vaccines to meet the annual country needs for routine immunisations.

Dr. Muchima states that the national immunisation programme plays a critical role in ensuring public health security through reduction of illnesses and deaths caused by vaccine preventable diseases including measles.

He adds that the focus of the national immunization programme as the country seeks to control measles will be centred on recovery and ensuring equity in provision of immunization services that prioritizes rural and under-served areas as well as communities in border areas that are at high risk of transmission.

The 2024 Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign is scheduled to be conducted from 23rd to 28th September, 2024.