Polio Alert: Zimbabwe Launches Emergency Child Vaccination Campaign After Regional Outbreak
Zimbabwe has launched an emergency polio vaccination campaign targeting children under five following a confirmed outbreak in the region, with health authorities warning of a high risk of cross-border spread.
Health officials confirmed that the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MOHCC) began the first round of the supplementary immunisation exercise on Monday, 20 April 2026, with the campaign set to run until Thursday, 23 April 2026. A second round is scheduled for early June.
Children Under Five Targeted In Nationwide Push
The campaign is aimed at protecting all children below the age of five, including newborns, regardless of their vaccination history.
Health authorities stressed the urgency of the programme, stating:
“All children under 5 years [including newborns] will get the nOPV2 vaccine irrespective of their vaccination status.”
The vaccination drive is being rolled out across multiple platforms to maximise reach. Parents and guardians are being encouraged to take advantage of services offered at public health institutions and community-based outreach points.
Officials explained:
“Vaccination sites include all public clinics and hospitals, household level (door to door), outreach points, and agreed places such as churches and markets.”
The Harare City Health Department is among the key participants, as the capital has been classified among high-risk cross-border areas.
Regional Outbreak Sparks Urgent Response
Authorities said the campaign follows confirmation of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) in Malawi, prompting a coordinated regional response.
Health officials highlighted the seriousness of the situation:
“This follows a notification about a recent confirmation of an outbreak of circulating vaccine derived poliovirus type 2 in Malawi.”
They added that multiple countries in the Southern African region are conducting similar campaigns simultaneously to contain the spread.
“The campaign is being undertaken in Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, Botswana and Zimbabwe at the same time.”
Experts warned that the virus poses a severe threat to young children, particularly in areas with high movement across borders.
“The virus causes serious health risks and can cause irreversible paralysis in children.”
Authorities further cautioned that increased regional travel raises the likelihood of transmission.
“The risk of potential spread is considered high especially with frequent travel and connections between Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia, Mozambique and Botswana.”
Parents Urged To Act Immediately
Parents and caregivers have been urged to ensure their children are vaccinated during the campaign dates and to cooperate with health workers.
Officials advised:
“Ensure all children under 5 years are vaccinated [including newborns]. Take the child health card or vaccination card and give the health workers as the children get vaccinated.”
Communities are also being encouraged to spread awareness to ensure maximum participation.
“Help in spreading the message in your community for every child to be protected.”
Health authorities reiterated that polio remains preventable through vaccination and that early action is critical to stopping further transmission.
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