PREMIER Mizengo Pinda has pleaded with all Tanzanians to take their children for Pneumococcal and Rotavirus vaccinations set to start early next year.

The two new vaccines, which have just been introduced to the country, are meant to reduce significantly infant mortality from pneumonia and diarrheal diseases caused by a virus called rotavirus, which infects the gastro-intestinal track.

Mr Pinda said this on Tuesday evening during talks with residents of Kibaoni, Ikuba, Mbede, Mamba and Majimoto wards who joined him to celebrate Christmas. "The government will start to provide pneumonia and diarrhea vaccines.

The two diseases have serious impact on kids. I call upon parents to take their children to the centres for vaccination when the right time comes in a bid to save their lives," he said.

He also called on the residents of these areas to buy mosquito nets and use them to protect their families against malaria which is one of the leading killer diseases in the country. "I call upon you pastoralists, I know you have money, sell your livestock and get money to buy mosquito nets. Statistics have it that in every five minutes a person dies of malaria, so when you get money buy a net for your family," he said.

Mr Pinda who is also the MP for Katavi told his electorate to also understand that HIV/AIDS is real and a serious disease and does not discriminate. "You should understand that HIV/AIDS is real and has no treatment so far. What we have in store is life prolonging drugs.

The disease does not discriminate youths, adults or boys and girls. It is important that we prevent ourselves from contracting it," he advised. The premier called on the residents to go for testing in district hospitals and in special events where free testing services are offered.