Health officials in Zimbabwe in the quest to contain a measles outbreak in Zimbabwe.

2000 people have been infected and at least 157 children have succumbed.

The ministry has held religious sects liable for mass infections. These religious beliefs at against vaccinations thereby predisposing their followers to the measles disease. The modern sects being preached are against conventional medicine and require their members to depend on prophets for healing.

According to the information minister, the viral disease was rife in Manicaland province which borders Mozambique.

On further probing by the government, it was revealed that all the victims had not been vaccinated against Measles.

The government has since called upon the Civil Protection Unit to contain the outbreak while the Ministry of Health and Child Care is on the ground carrying out an intensive vaccination program.

The government states it has now commenced mass vaccination earmarking children  ranging from 

six months to fifteen years of age with the help of UN agencies such as the World Health Organization and UNICEF.

"We have now mobilized resources to ensure that the children are vaccinated before schools open. This July and August, we have a lot of churches that assemble and we think that is the way this measles can be spread so we are targeting those so that they can be vaccinated.

"Cabinet has directed the Ministry of Health and Child Care to engage traditional and faith leaders for their support on the vaccination program."

Dr.Chimbetete called upon the government to collaborate with religious leaders on enforcing mass vaccination. "Such an outbreak shows that things are not functioning as they should in terms of our public health system."

Measles is one of the most communicable viral diseases in the world. Its symptoms include coughing, fever, and a skin rash.

It is spread through the air by coughing, sneezing, and bodily contact.

According to scientists, the mortality rate is higher among unvaccinated populations. 90% of the population should be immunized to avert the possibility of a Measles outbreak.

The World Health Organisation reported that Africa was facing an outbreak of preventable diseases because of reluctance in vaccinating children. As a result Measles cases have seen a 400 percent increase.