By Wendy Mkandawire
The ministry of health and Sanitation says it will conduct a Measles Rubella supplementary vaccination campaign from 21 to 25 September 2026.
In a statement from the ministry signed by its principal secretary for health Dan Namarika said the campaign aims to stop the spread of Measles – Rubella which has seen 376 confirmed cases from January to August.
He also indicated that the vaccination campaign will target the children age 9 months to 9 years and includes vitamin A supplementation for children aged 6 months to 5 years.
” The vaccination and vitamin A supplementation will be conducted in all health facilities, outreach clinics and other temporary sites including schools,trading centers, churches and Early childhood Centers to ensure that no child is missed.
According to Namarika Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that is present with symptoms including facial rash,red itchy and runny nose, Rubella is an acute disease affecting children and adults it’s simptoms are smiler to measles but complications become devastating when the disease affects pregnant woman.
The ministry of health has advised parents and guardians, community and religious leaders as well as stakeholders to ensure that every child of the targeted age group gets vaccinated during this campaign regardless of the child’s previous vacation status.
The ministry of health said it remain committed to strengthening routine immunization services and reaching every child even in hard reach areas.
