Alarming statistics have been released by the Ministry of Health, revealing that in 2022, over 320,000 children in Zambia missed their primary vaccinations against childhood diseases at just 6 weeks old. This is a concerning trend that could have serious consequences for the health and wellbeing of these children, as well as the wider community. It is important for parents and caregivers to prioritize their children’s health and ensure they receive the necessary vaccinations to protect them from preventable illnesses.
During the presentation of the 2022 State of the World’s Children Report and the celebration of World Immunization Week in Lusaka, Jacob Sakala, the Manager of the Ministry of Health’s Expanded Programme on Immunization, expressed concern over the decline in childhood immunizations in Zambia. According to the latest data analysis, over 320,000 children in Zambia did not receive primary vaccinations against childhood diseases at 6 weeks old, which is a cause for urgent catch-up and recovery efforts to vaccinate children in all districts of the country.
He emphasized the urgent need for catch-up and recovery efforts to vaccinate children in all districts of the country to prevent the risk of vaccine-preventable diseases and outbreaks. Dr. Sakala warned that without immediate action, the situation could worsen, leading to even more alarming numbers this year.
Dr Sakala emphasized the need for urgent catch-up and recovery efforts to vaccinate children in all districts of the country. However, he also assured the public that the government is committed to improving vaccination coverage and ensuring that every child, especially the most vulnerable, has access to immunization services.
UNICEF Country Representative Penelope Campbell also spoke at the event, calling on the government to strengthen primary healthcare and provide support to front-line workers. She also urged a doubling of commitment to increase financing for immunization to combat preventable diseases such as measles and cholera.
