Huambo: At least 227,000 children under the age of five living in the municipality of Huambo will be vaccinated against measles starting on February 17, the local health director Miguel Balaca told ANGOP on Tuesday.

According to Angola Press News Agency, the vaccination campaign will last seven days and will focus on the neighborhoods of Calundo, Casseque I, II and III, Caquelewa, Lufefena, Munda, Petr³leo, So Pedro and Samdjepele. These neighborhoods have reported several cases of the disease in January, with 77 diagnosed cases and three deaths recorded so far, necessitating the vaccination campaign to prevent further cases.

Miguel Balaca stated that the institution is preparing the logistical conditions for the 65 controlled units. Mobilization and awareness-raising teams are collaborating with traditional authorities, midwives, and churches to ensure widespread participation in the measles vaccination campaign. Balaca also advised parents and guardians to keep children showing signs of measles away from schools and nurseries and to seek immediate medical attention.

The vaccination campaign will involve health technicians from the 65 units in the municipality of Huambo, who will be deployed to various posts to control the disease. Besides coughing, measles symptoms include high fever and red eyes, and it is vital to avoid direct contact with infected individuals to prevent new infections.

The municipality of Huambo, one of 11 in the province of Huambo, has an estimated population of 999,605 inhabitants residing in 433 neighborhoods across two municipalities, Calima and Sede.