Faith leaders urged to support polio immunisation
Health authorities in Machinga have urged religious leaders in the district to play a leading role in sensitising their followers to have their children vaccinated against polio.
Speaking on Monday during the launch of polio vaccination exercise held in Senior Chief Mlomba, Machinga district director of social and health services Jones Chise said religious leaders are influential people in society; hence, asking them to help in sensitising communities.
“Faith leaders can play a crucial role in encouraging their followers during worship services to allow their children receive the vaccine,” he said.
Chise also asked other stakeholders such as traditional leaders to conduct awareness campaigns to help the district reach its target of about 4 700 children.
“We also appeal to other stakeholders to support the district health office with resources, including allowances and fuel for the exercise to succeed,” he said.
Mlomba Majelis Ulama secretary Sheikh Mahamood Ramus said they will use the congregational model approach to mobilise people to allow their children receive the vaccine.
“We are influential figures in our societies and we can be ambassadors of the right information about the vaccination campaign to our followers,” he said.
Mgodi Seventh Day Adventist Church elder Emmanuel Mkanda urged the church’s congregants to disregard myths and misconceptions associated with the vaccine.
Machinga District Council chairperson Richard Matenje said the council has set aside vehicles and allowances to facilitate easy mobility of health surveillance assistants during the vaccination exercise.
“We are one of the districts in the country that performs well in vaccination exercises, as such, we are committed to ensuring that we keep that record,” he said.
