Source: Health Ministry rolls out mass bilharzia treatment for 1,4 million children – herald
Health Reporter
The Ministry of Health and Child Care has launched a nationwide mass drug administration (MDA) campaign targeting nearly 1,5 million children in a renewed push to eliminate schistosomiasis (bilharzia) as a public health threat in Zimbabwe.
The week-long campaign, running from February 16 to 21, 2026, will focus on children aged between five and 14 years, who are among the most vulnerable to the parasitic disease.
Seven rural provinces, Mashonaland East, Mashonaland West, Mashonaland Central, Midlands, Manicaland, Matabeleland South and Masvingo, have been prioritised under the programme, which will see 1 477 966 children receiving free treatment with praziquantel, the recommended drug for schistosomiasis.
The Ministry of Health said treatment would be administered at the nearest health facilities, primary and secondary schools, as well as designated static outreach points to ensure maximum coverage, particularly in hard-to-reach communities.
Schistosomiasis remains a significant public health concern in many rural areas, particularly where access to safe water and adequate sanitation is limited.
The disease, which is transmitted through contact with contaminated water, can cause chronic illness, impaired growth and learning difficulties among children if left untreated.
The large-scale, school and community-based intervention marks a critical step towards reducing infection rates, preventing long-term complications and ultimately eliminating the disease.
The campaign is being implemented with support from partners, including the Higherlife Foundation, which has provided financial and technical assistance and the World Health Organisation, which donated the required medication for the exercise.
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