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By Tabonga Linval Gijimah
The Ministry of Health and Child Care has launched a week-long vaccination campaign in Zvishavane aimed at protecting children against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Tetanus Diphtheria, as part of broader efforts to improve public health and prevent cervical cancer.
Speaking during a stakeholder meeting held at the Zvishavane District Development Coordinator’s Office, Zvishavane District Health Promotion Officer Rumbidzai Chikwana said the HPV vaccination programme is targeting girls in Grade Five, girls aged 10 years, and those in Grades Six and Seven who have not previously received the vaccine.
“The HPV vaccine is a critical intervention in the prevention of cervical cancer. We are targeting girls before they become sexually active because the vaccine is most effective when administered at an early age,” said Chikwana.
She noted that cervical cancer cases continue to rise, making preventive measures such as vaccination increasingly important.
In addition to the HPV campaign, the Ministry is administering Tetanus Diphtheria vaccines to boys and girls aged between five years and five years eleven months, as well as those aged between ten years and ten years eleven months.
“Traditionally, the tetanus vaccine has been associated with pregnant women, but children are also vulnerable because they are frequently exposed to soil and environments where tetanus-causing bacteria can be found during play and other activities,” Chikwana explained.
The vaccination exercise began on June 15 and will run until June 19, with health teams also providing routine immunisations to children who are due for their scheduled vaccines.
Meanwhile, health authorities have raised concern over continued cholera cases being recorded in the district. Chikwana urged residents to remain vigilant and adhere to recommended hygiene practices.
“Cholera remains a public health concern in Zvishavane. We encourage residents to boil drinking water, maintain clean surroundings, practise proper hygiene, and seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms associated with the disease,” she said.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care continues to strengthen disease prevention efforts through vaccination programmes and public health awareness campaigns aimed at safeguarding communities across the district.
Speaking during a stakeholder meeting held at the Zvishavane District Development Coordinator’s Office, Zvishavane District Health Promotion Officer Rumbidzai Chikwana said the HPV vaccination programme is targeting girls in Grade Five, girls aged 10 years, and those in Grades Six and Seven who have not previously received the vaccine.
“The HPV vaccine is a critical intervention in the prevention of cervical cancer. We are targeting girls before they become sexually active because the vaccine is most effective when administered at an early age,” said Chikwana.
She noted that cervical cancer cases continue to rise, making preventive measures such as vaccination increasingly important.
In addition to the HPV campaign, the Ministry is administering Tetanus Diphtheria vaccines to boys and girls aged between five years and five years eleven months, as well as those aged between ten years and ten years eleven months.
“Traditionally, the tetanus vaccine has been associated with pregnant women, but children are also vulnerable because they are frequently exposed to soil and environments where tetanus-causing bacteria can be found during play and other activities,” Chikwana explained.
The vaccination exercise began on June 15 and will run until June 19, with health teams also providing routine immunisations to children who are due for their scheduled vaccines.
Meanwhile, health authorities have raised concern over continued cholera cases being recorded in the district. Chikwana urged residents to remain vigilant and adhere to recommended hygiene practices.
“Cholera remains a public health concern in Zvishavane. We encourage residents to boil drinking water, maintain clean surroundings, practise proper hygiene, and seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms associated with the disease,” she said.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care continues to strengthen disease prevention efforts through vaccination programmes and public health awareness campaigns aimed at safeguarding communities across the district.
Published
June 17, 2026 at 8:00 AM
