Kafue District Commissioner, Maurice Hikapulwe, has called on the religious leaders among other stakeholders in the district to join the fight against Measles.
Speaking during the district Measles-Rubella Vaccination Campaign Launch, Mr. Hikapulwe noted that the religious leaders have a role to play in ensuring that Children between nine and 59 months are vaccinated against measles.
He condemned the act of spreading false teachings against vaccination adding that the vaccine is safe and is given at no cost.
“I am calling on all faith leaders in the district to cooperate with the government in ensuring that parents take their children for vaccination. Let us desist from teachings that will discourage parents from taking children for the Measles vaccination,” Mr Hikapulwe said.
District Health Director, Sydney Hamusonde, called on parents in the district to take their children between the ages of nine and 59 months for the measles-rubella vaccination.
Dr Hamusonde said the vaccination is a high-impact intervention for preventing the disease.
He said the measles-rubella vaccination campaign also provides an opportunity for children to catch up on other vaccinations as well as prevent the further spread of the Measles Disease.
“This Campaign could not have come at a better time than this as it will provide an opportunity for children to catch up on vaccinations as well as prevent further spread of the Measles Disease by vaccinating at least 95% of the eligible target group,” Dr Hamusonde said.
The 2024 Measles Rubella Vaccination Campaign is being held under the theme “It’s time to kick out Measles.”
