Afrigather Harare – On 3 October 2024, Zimbabwe marked the belated World Well being Day and the fiftieth anniversary of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), a major milestone in its public well being journey. The twin commemoration offered a chance to mirror on the progress made in enhancing well being and well-being within the nation, whereas additionally acknowledging the work that also must be finished to advertise well being for all Zimbabweans.
In his deal with, the Minister of Well being and Youngster Care Dr Douglas Mombeshora highlighted the significance of well being as a basic human proper and emphasised the position of immunization in constructing a more healthy Zimbabwe. He highlighted the nation’s achievements in EPI, together with the eradication of smallpox, polio-free certification, and profitable outbreak responses. The Minister additionally acknowledged the challenges that lie forward, akin to disparities in entry to immunization and the rise of misinformation. He known as for collaborative efforts to deal with these obstacles and be sure that each Zimbabwean has entry to life-saving vaccines.
The EPI programme in Zimbabwe has achieved outstanding success in eliminating maternal and neonatal tetanus, eliminating wild types of polio, and lowering measles incidence. The federal government’s dedication to public well being has been evident in its proactive response to outbreaks and its introduction of environmental surveillance for polio. The nation achieved common childhood immunization protection of over 80 p.c in 1990. Moreover, the introduction of latest vaccines, akin to these for human papilloma virus, hepatitis B, typhoid conjugate vaccine and pneumococcal illness, has broadened the scope of safety.
Efforts to succeed in distant and underserved communities have enhanced entry to vaccines, guaranteeing that no baby is left susceptible. Widespread vaccination has helped set up herd immunity, which protects those that can’t be vaccinated, akin to people with sure medical circumstances. This collective immunity is essential for stopping outbreaks and sustaining public well being. The EPI programme has additionally performed a task in strengthening Zimbabwe’s well being techniques. The infrastructure developed for immunization companies, together with chilly chain techniques and skilled well being personnel, has had a constructive influence on total healthcare supply. These developments have improved the nation’s means to reply to numerous well being challenges past immunization.
Regardless of the outstanding progress, vaccine hesitancy, misinformation, and logistical hurdles proceed to hinder immunization efforts in some areas. To maintain the positive factors made and attain the unvaccinated, continued funding in immunization infrastructure, public training, and analysis is crucial to sustaining and increasing the positive factors achieved. Collaboration with worldwide companions and the engagement of communities shall be very important in addressing rising well being threats and guaranteeing that each particular person profit from the life-saving energy of vaccines.
UNICEF Zimbabwe Deputy Consultant Zeinab Adam dedicated to continued collaboration with Authorities, key companions and donors at a nationwide and sub-national degree to speed up efforts to enhance public well being for all.
“Investments in direction of strengthening of the nation’s well being techniques and infrastructure to make sure equitable entry to healthcare companies stay crucial, with all companions enjoying their key as collaboration may be very crucial in vaccination,” added Dr Sarah Wanyoike, Performing WHO Zimbabwe Consultant.
WHO, GAVI, UNICEF and different immunization companions are supporting the Authorities of Zimbabwe in attaining numerous well being targets, together with sustaining excessive immunization protection aligned with the worldwide Sustainable Improvement Purpose 3 (SDG 3). Efforts deal with enhancing service supply, enhancing the capability of the well being workforce, and implementing important well being financing reforms as outlined within the Nationwide Well being Technique (2021-2025).
