Zimbabwe Launches National Bilharzia Drug Campaign

The Ministry of Health and Child Care has rolled out a nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign targeting schistosomiasis (bilharzia), marking a major step in efforts to eliminate the disease as a public health concern in Zimbabwe.

The campaign, which runs from 16 to 21 February 2026, focuses on protecting children aged 5 to 14 years, the group most vulnerable to bilharzia infection. A total of 1,477,966 children are expected to receive free treatment using Praziquantel, the recommended medication for schistosomiasis.

The MDA targets seven rural provinces: Mashonaland East, Mashonaland West, Mashonaland Central, Midlands, Manicaland, Matabeleland South, and Masvingo areas where the disease remains a persistent health challenge due to limited access to safe water and sanitation.

Treatment will be provided free of charge at the nearest health facilities, primary and secondary schools, and designated static health points, ensuring wide coverage and easy access for both school-going and out-of-school children.

The campaign is being implemented with critical support from key partners. Higherlife Foundation has contributed financial and technical assistance, while the World Health Organization donated the Praziquantel required for the mass treatment exercise.

Health officials say the combined school- and community-based approach is designed to significantly reduce infection rates, prevent long-term complications, and improve overall child health and wellbeing in the targeted provinces.

“This intervention represents a significant milestone in our national goal to eliminate schistosomiasis,” the Ministry said, urging parents, guardians, and communities to support the programme and ensure all eligible children receive treatment.

Schistosomiasis, commonly known as bilharzia, is a preventable and treatable disease. Authorities emphasize that sustained community participation is essential to breaking transmission cycles and safeguarding the health of future generations.