Government through the Ministry of Health has planned a National Wide Measles campaign from 9th to 14th July this year in all the 72 Districts of the Country.
Copperbelt Provincial Minister Mwansa Mbulakulima said this in a speech read on his
behalf by the Provincial Deputy Permanent Secretary Christopher Mutembo at the
official opening of a strategic planning meeting which was held at the Savoy hotel
this morning.
The Minister said that Government had targeted a population of Children aged from 9
to 59 months. He explained that during the stated period Children aged 6 to 59
months will also receive vitamin A supplement, while those aged 12 to 59 months
will receive deworming tablets and Re-treatment of Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNS).
ZANIS reports that the Minister added that Government had shown its commitment
through the vaccine immunisation initiative by contributing about 80% towards
purchasing traditional vaccines such as Oral Polio, Measles and BCG 2005.
He also cited the National Health Strategic plan 2006-2010 which has child health as
one of the priority areas as another initiative that Government had embarked on in
order to meet the Millennium Development Goal number four which was to reduce child
mortality by 67%.
He revealed that the activities would enhance protection of children against measles
and promote their growth and development.
Mr Mbulakulima said for the programme to succeed, it required adequate resources
including volunteers, funds, fuel and transport and called on all stakeholders to
get involved.
Stakeholders present at the meeting included the Provincial Health Director Dr
Chandwe Ngambi, District Commissioners, and heads of government departments and
other Chief executive officers.
ZANIS
These are issues that should be given more resources.