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On Monday, Zimbabwe initiated a cholera vaccination campaign aimed at immunizing more than two million people against the waterborne disease.
When administered orally, the vaccination provides protection for at least six months. Beginning in Kuwadzana, near Harare, health professionals focus on schools and door-to-door outreach.
The outbreak, which has been underway since February 2023, has killed over 400 people and infected over 20,000 more.
UNICEF and the World Health Organization will provide Zimbabwe with 2.3 million vaccine doses, which will be distributed to 29 of the most severely affected areas. More than 892 000 doses have already been distributed, according to the health ministry.
Cholera is spread by contaminated food or water and is most common in densely populated cities with inadequate sanitation systems.
Following an increase in cholera cases, the Zimbabwean government moved in November to ban public gatherings and food vending, as well as supervise burials in impacted areas.
The campaign is an important preventive measure against cholera in densely populated cities with inadequate sanitation.
