The outbreak was first recorded in the eastern Manicaland province in early April and has since spread to all parts of the country.

“At least 2,056 cases have been reported and virtually all of the deaths have been unvaccinated children,” Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said at a post cabinet press briefing.

“The government is going to step up vaccinations, and has invoked special legislation allowing it to draw money from the national disaster fund to deal with the emergency,” she added. (ILKHA)