The Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) has partnered with HigherLife Foundation to launch a week-long mass drug administration campaign to combat elephantiasis in seven districts across Zimbabwe.
The campaign, which runs from 20 to 28 October 2025, is part of national efforts to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis, a neglected tropical disease that causes painful swelling of limbs and genitals if left untreated. Target districts include Chiredzi, Gutu, Buhera, Bikita, Chipinge, Mutoko, and Mudzi.
Speaking at the launch yesterday, Dr. Tendai Munacho, the Director of Neglected Tropical Diseases in the Ministry, said the initiative aims to reach every person at risk in the targeted areas.
“Our goal is simply to interrupt the transmission of this debilitating disease. Every eligible person needs to take the tablets for the campaign to be successful,” he said.
He added that elephantiasis remains a major public health concern in some parts of Zimbabwe, despite progress made in reducing infection rates.
“This campaign builds on last year’s successes and brings us closer to eliminating the disease entirely,” said Dr. Munacho.
The HigherLife Foundation, a key partner in the programme, is supporting logistics, awareness campaigns, and community mobilization to ensure high participation.
“We believe every Zimbabwean deserves a healthy life free from preventable diseases. Our partnership with the Ministry ensures that no one is left behind in this fight,’’ said Rebecca Mwabvu, the Foundation’s Global Health Programme Manager
Lymphatic Filariasis, also known as elephantiasis, is transmitted by mosquitoes and can cause permanent disability. Health experts say prevention through drug administration is the most effective strategy to stop its spread.
Local health workers and volunteers are currently moving door-to-door and setting up outreach points in clinics, schools, and community centres to distribute the medication.
“We are calling on everyone in the targeted districts to cooperate with health teams and take the medicine. Together, we can eliminate elephantiasis from Zimbabwe once and for all,’’ said Mwabvu
The mass drug administration drive ends on 28 October 2025 under the theme “Health for All.”
