Thousands of children under five in Harare, Bulawayo and 20 border districts are receiving additional oral polio vaccine doses as the Ministry of Health and Child Care steps up efforts to prevent cross-border transmission of the virus.
Health and Child Care Minister Douglas Mombeshora said the targeted campaign follows the detection of circulating poliovirus in the region, including a virus found in Malawi that was genetically linked to one previously detected in Harare.
Instead of vaccinating the entire country, the ministry is focusing on high-risk border districts, while children elsewhere continue receiving routine immunisations.
The campaign uses the novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2), with all children under five expected to receive the vaccine, even if they were previously immunised.
"We continue to carry out nOPV2 vaccination rounds because this vaccine is specially designed for emergency use against type 2 poliovirus outbreaks like the one currently circulating in the region."
The ministry said repeated campaigns strengthen community immunity and reach children who may have missed earlier vaccinations.
"These rounds also close gaps by reaching children who may have missed routine services and provide boosters where immunity may be waning."
Mombeshora urged parents in targeted districts to ensure every eligible child is vaccinated, saying high coverage remains the country's strongest defence against polio.
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Parents welcomed the campaign.
Ropafadzo Shamuyarira said she learnt about it after her child brought information home from school, while Junior Ndlovu said:
"I understand the importance of immunization and believe it's crucial for children to receive these vaccines."
The ministry also assured parents that repeated doses are safe.
"The novel oral polio vaccine (nOPV2) has been thoroughly tested and proven to be safe, stable and effective in preventing polio."
It added: "The polio vaccine is specifically designed to be given more than once and each dose adds extra protection."
World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to Zimbabwe Desta Tiruneh said:
"WHO continues to support Zimbabwe's efforts to protect every child from preventable diseases, and we applaud the health sector proactive approach in containing the virus and improving child health."
Zimbabwe vaccinated more than 4.8 million children under 10 against polio in 2025, building on earlier emergency campaigns launched after circulating poliovirus was detected in 2024.
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