Health stakeholders in Zimbabwe are attempting to contain a measles outbreak that has already infected more than 5 735 people and killed at least 639 children.

The outbreak started in April in Manicaland and is now exponentially increasing in all part of the country. Fears are growing as the schools are about to reopen for the third term and as residents of Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare, face a potable water crisis.

More than 50% of the registered cases have not been vaccinated. The World Health Organization already warned in April about the increase in measles in vulnerable countries as a result of a disruption of services due to COVID-19. 

The government has called for international support to speed up the vaccination coverage and engage with traditional and faith leaders to support the strategy.