IVAYINERUDO MAGARAZANO
Chiredzi Hospital has administered 81 454 doses of the Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV) during recent campaigns in the Chikombedzi area.
The campaigns aim to curb the recent cholera outbreak in the district as the rainy season approaches.
District nursing officer, Leonard Bhasera reported that the campaign was a huge success.
“The vaccine was targeted at wards with high cholera case records, such as Ward 11. The community accepted the vaccine, having witnessed the devastating effects of cholera first-hand. Although the vaccine was not mandatory,” said Bhasera.
Bhasera noted that while the vaccine is not a permanent solution, it serves as a crucial prevention measure, emphasizing the importance of continued good hygiene practices to combat cholera.
He said there was an increase in the number of young people who had accepted the vaccine on the final day, as compared to the period when the program started.
Bhasera urged professionals, including teachers, to get vaccinated, as this can influence their students’ participation.
However, he highlighted that a persistent challenge remains with white garment apostolic churches, whose members, including their children, are refusing vaccination based on parental and spiritual leaders’ instructions.
