CHASEFU District Health Office has targeted to vaccinate 27,997 children under the age of five during the second phase of Child Health Week.

District Acting Health Promotion Officer, Cyprian Phiri, stated that all health facilities in the district will provide children with services such as vaccinations, deworming and vitamin A supplements among others.

ZANIS reports that Mr Phiri also disclosed that the Ministry of Health has introduced a second dose of Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) which will target a population of 11,308 children in the district aged 9 to 59 months. 

He further explained that the district health office will involve community based volunteers to assist in mobilising children to ensure that every child receives the necessary health services.

Mr Phiri added that mobile outreach services will be offered to families in selected parts of the district.

He further revealed that the health office will follow up any adverse events that might have occurred after the first phase of Child Health Week and encouraged parents and guardians to report any persistent side effects they observe in their children.

Chasefu District Administrative Officer, Diana Lupiya, highlighted that the health of children is linked to the future development of the district and the nation as a whole. 

“Children are our future, and ensuring their health is a key part of the development process,” she said.

She also called on all stakeholders, both in the public and private sectors, to collaborate with the Ministry of Health to make the programme a success.