As part of media training workshop and in order to boost journalists’ understanding of immunisation processes in Zimbabwe, the Ministry of Health and Child Care took media practitioners on a tour of Bindura Provincial Hospital in Mashonaland Central Province.
Giving an overview on the Expanded Programme of Immunisation (EPI) Provincial EPI Officer, Ms. Scholastic Muparutsa said the hospital conducts surveillance on a yearly basis against all antigens.
Speaking on the vaccines Ms. Scholastic Muparutsa mentioned that there is 85% vaccination coverage with 187 888 vaccinated out of the 221 515 targeted children.
“The Province conducts surveillance on measles, Rubella, tetanus, and adverse events following immunisation. Health facilities, Village Health Workers and community members play a major role in the outreach campaign,” said Muparutsa.
The EPI Provincial officer also applauded the help of village health workers who are part of the EPI programme ensuring community participation and also urged the media to spread the right information during these times.
Bindura Provincial Hospital just like Mahusekwa Hospital in Marondera District, Mashonaland East Province has also embarked on an outreach campaign to cover hard-to-reach areas in order to vaccinate as many children as possible.
Health Service Administrator Mr. Takudzwa Chirimuta led a tour of Bindura Provincial Hospital as they got to see the Cold rooms that store the vaccines and also got a chance to see the solar plant at Bindura Provincial hospital. He mentioned that since the installation of the solar plant last year under Solar for Health there are no more power interruptions that affect the vaccines and other sections of the hospital which is a good thing.
