Polio blitz: 20 districts targeted

The Ministry of Health and Child Care has launched an aggressive two-round polio vaccination campaign to “interrupt the transmission of polioviruses” across 20 high-risk districts, mobilising door-to-door teams to reach every child under five.

Round one runs 20–23 April 2026, with a second round scheduled for 2–5 June 2026.

The drive is part of a “coordinated regional effort alongside Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia”.

Targeted districts include Bulawayo’s Emakandeni, Northern Suburbs and Nkulumane; Harare City, Chitungwiza, Epworth and Ruwa, as well as Mutare, Chimanimani, Chipinge, Mbire, Mudzi, Kariba, Chiredzi, Binga, Hwange, Bulilima, Matobo and Gwanda.

“All children under five years of age in these districts must be vaccinated, regardless of their previous vaccination status,” the ministry said.

Vaccination teams are using “door-to-door outreach, fixed sites, and mobile units to ensure every child is reached”.

Health authorities urge parents to cooperate fully. No polio case has been announced, but the pre-emptive strike follows regional detection of circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses.