NewsDesk @bactiman63

A measles outbreak in Zimbabwe, first reported in April, has claimed the lives of 157 children from across the country, according to a report in The Herald.

Image/Robert Herriman

As of August 15, 2,056 cases and 157 deaths, almost exclusively in children, have been reported,  Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said.

Most reported cases are among children aged between six months and 15 from religious sects who are not vaccinated against measles due to religious beliefs, officials note.

Manicaland has recorded the most cases with 1270 and 122 deaths, followed by Harare (121 cases/0 deaths), Midland (83 cases/16 deaths) and Masvingo (116 cases/ 3 deaths).

The government says it is embarking on a mass vaccination campaign targeting children aged between 6 months and 15 years old and is engaging traditional and faith leaders to support the drive.