Staff Writer
The Ministry of Health and Child Care has embarked on the National Mass Drug Administration (MDA) for Schistosomiasis (SCH) or bilharzia, a critical public health initiative targeting children aged 5 to 14 years with the goal of eliminating SCH as a public health concern in Zimbabwe.
Posting on its X handle the Ministry said:
“The MDA campaign will run from 16 to 21 February 2026.
The campaign targets seven rural provinces — Mashonaland East, Mashonaland West, Mashonaland Central, Midlands, Manicaland, Matabeleland South and Masvingo
“The free treatment will be administered at your nearest Health Facility , Primary & Secondary school or static health point. Targeted children adds up to 1,477,966 who will receive treatment using Praziquantel.”
Added the statement:
“The campaign is being implemented with vital support from key partners such as
Higherlife Foundation, which has provided financial and technical assistance while the World Health Organization, donated the required medication for the MDA.
“This extensive school and community-based intervention marks a significant milestone toward eliminating schistosomiasis and improving the health and wellbeing of children in the targeted regions.”