The Ministry of Health and Child Care (MOHCC) has announced a supplementary polio immunisation campaign targeting all children under the age of five, including newborns, as part of a coordinated regional response to contain a confirmed outbreak of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2). Vaccination.
This was revealed, today, by Harare City Health Promotion Office Epidemiology and Disease Control Division on its official X handle. The campaign will be rolled out in selected cross-border provinces, including Harare City, in collaboration with neighbouring countries affected by the outbreak.
The first round of the exercise will run from Monday 20 to Thursday 23 April 2026, while the second round is scheduled for Tuesday 2 to Friday 5 June 2026.
Vaccination will be conducted at public clinics and hospitals, as well as through door-to-door outreach and at designated community points such as churches and markets.
“All children under five years will be vaccinated regardless of their previous immunisation status,” said health authorities.
“The campaign follows confirmation of a circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) outbreaks in Malawi, prompting a coordinated regional response involving Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Botswana,” said health authorities.
“The virus can cause serious illness and irreversible paralysis, but it is preventable through vaccination,” they added.
Officials urged parents and guardians to ensure eligible children are vaccinated and to present child health cards during the exercise to support proper recording and monitoring.
Community leaders were also urged to support awareness campaigns to ensure full coverage, while Health experts reiterate that vaccination remains the most effective tool in preventing polio.
The Ministry said the mobilisation reflects Zimbabwe’s continued commitment to safeguarding public health and strengthening regional disease surveillance and response system
