The Sunday News
Robin Muchetu, Online Reporter
AT least 5 million children aged between nine months and 15 years are set to be vaccinated against Measles Rubella this week as immunisation commenced throughput the country yesterday.
Children between six months and 59 months will also receive Vitamin A supplementation under the catch-up campaign that will run from 28 September to 2 October across the country.
In Bulawayo most clinics were overwhelmed with parents who wanted to get their children immunized.
At Princess Margret Clinic in the CBD, there was a long winding queue with parents saying it was moving well despite the heat.
“I came here early because I stay in Kensington. I brought my children here because I do not want to take chances with their health. If I do not immunize them they may be attacked by the disease,” said Ms Natasha Mako.
She said at first she was skeptical about the whole exercise but gained confidence when she saw others taking an active role.
“I was scared and hesitant at first but as I saw other mothers taking their children I gained confidence and went ahead. I hope they will not react to the medication,” she said.
Miss Thandiwe Thembo from Nguboyenja said there were long queues at Mzilikazi Clinic from morning and people were still flocking in as they heard the news about immunization.
“Since morning it has been packed and this is a sign that people welcome the program and they are concerned about their children’s well being,” she said.
She said she was also doing some advocacy work by encouraging her neigbours to bring in their children for immunisation.
Various primary schools in the city were also a hive of activity as children from grade zero were being immunized.
Some parents who spoke to the Sunday News said they were not sure of the program and decided to make their children stay away.
“Last time we heard of children who actually lost their lives after being immunized so from then onwards I am not very confident in getting my child immunized. I hope that this current program will not see children reacting badly to the medication,” said MsSthandwaNcube.
Many of the parents who were at different sites of the immunisation program said the information about immunisation was well communicated to them through the media.
“I read about it in the newspaper and I also got a flyer while I was at Entumbane shopping mall so I kept it and even showed others. Information was well communicated to us and we are happy that we did not miss this important vaccination,” said a parent who refused to be named.
Since the measles outbreak which occurred in the country between 2009 and 2010, more than 10 000 cases and over 500 deaths have been recorded.
Measles Rubella causes fatal abnormalities in children.
The Vitamin A supplementation will be administered to children aged between 6 months to 59 months during the same period.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care said in terms of the Constitution Section 60(4) which states that while parents and guardians have the right to determine in accordance with their beliefs, the moral and religious upbringing of their children, they should not prejudice the rights to which their children are entitled under this constitution including education, health, safety and welfare.
