ZIMBABWE has announced the activation of the country’s Civil Protection Act to deal with the surging measles cases and deaths amidst indications of a rise in the death toll over the past few days.
By Michael Gwarisa
The Civil Protection Act sets up the administration for civil protection at state and local level in Zimbabwe, provides with respect to the declaration of a state of disaster and operations in case of disaster and established National Civil Protection Fund.
Briefing Journalists yesterday during a post cabinet media briefing, Information Minister, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa said government had activated emergency response services to the obtaining measles outbreak ahead of schools reopening next month.
Cabinet received a brief on the Measles Outbreak across all provinces of Zimbabwe as presented by the Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care, Honourable General (Rtd.) Dr. C.G.D.N. Chiwenga.The nation is being informed that following a report of the first case of measles in Mutasa District, Manicaland Province on 10th August 2022, the disease has now spread to other provinces. As of 15th August 2022, the cumulative figures from across the country has risen to 2 056 cases and 157 deaths,” said senator Mutsvangwa.
The distribution by province is as follows: Manicaland, 1 270 cases and 122 deaths; Harare Metropolitan 121 cases and 0 deaths; Midlands, 83 cases and 16 deaths; Masvingo, 116 cases and 3 deaths; Mashonaland East ,115 cases and 16 deaths; Mashonaland Central, 87 cases and 0 deaths; Mashonaland West, 130 cases and 0 deaths; Matabeleland North, 85 and 0 deaths; Matabeleland South, 23 cases and 0 deaths; and Bulawayo Metropoliotan, 12 cases and 0 deaths.
“It has been noted that all the victims had not received vaccination for protection against measles. Government has invoked Civil Protection Unit Act to deal with the emergency, and the Ministry of Health and Child Care is on the ground carrying out an intensive vaccination programme. Cabinet has also directed the Ministry of Health and Child Care to engage Traditional and Faith leaders for their support on the vaccination programme.”
It’s very good to meet such improvement