Mangaliso Kabulika
ALMOST 700 000 people have received the oral cholera vaccine since it was launched on January 29, the Ministry of Health and Child Care has revealed.
With 2.3 million targeted for vaccination, priority is being given to heavily affected areas across all provinces. So far 697 550 people have been vaccinated.
Zimbabwe has recorded 22 632 suspected cholera cases, with 2 395 confirmed cases and 499 suspected and confirmed deaths.
Recovery rates have reached a total of 21 940.
Kuwadzana is one of the most affected areas in Harare and vaccination uptake by individuals is a demonstration of collective commitment to a healthy community.
“Each person we vaccinate brings us one step closer to preventing the spread of cholera.
“Our aim is to attain herd immunity and to flatten the curve of deaths and new cases. Regardless of being vaccinated, we continue to encourage people to practice hygiene at its highest level as this vaccine cannot save them from other diarrhoeal related diseases,” said the Ministry.