Immunization of children across Zimbabwe continued on Tuesday despite the Africa Day public holiday as officials tried to vaccinate five million infants to adolescents to end measles outbreaks that have claimed more than 300 lives.
The inoculations will protect children from a larger number of preventable childhood diseases, however.
Parents in Bikita, Masvingo province, told VOA they were pleased with the program so far, reporting large turnouts at schools and clinics as parents - including members of so-called apostolic sects - brought in their children.
Bikita father of two Baba Zuva told VOA Studio 7 reporter Marvellous Mhlanga-Nyahuye that he has been impressed with efforts by local health workers and only wished that could be extended into all rural areas.
Mavis Gama told VOA reporter Brenda Moyo from the Harare suburb of Budiriro that she saw children being immunized at a shopping center in the township, but that turnout seemed low, perhaps because it was Africa Day.