Kasungu district director of health services Emanuel Golombe says traditional and religious beliefs are continuing to hinder the administration of vaccines in some communities in the district.
He said although the district managed to meet targets during previous polio vaccination campaigns, some communities still refuse to have their children vaccinated due to religious and cultural beliefs.
Golombe, who was speaking on Tuesday during a media engagement aimed at strengthening the working relationship between Kasungu District Health Office and journalists, said the situation was worrisome.
He said health authorities are now intensifying awareness campaigns to ensure more parents and guardians understand the importance of immunisation in protecting children from preventable diseases such as polio.
“I urge parents and guardians to ensure that children under 10 years should receive the third dose of polio vaccine during the Phase Three Campaign scheduled to start on June 2 this year,” said Golombe.
He assured the public that the multiple doses administered to children are safe and necessary for effective protection against the disease.
“We hope to do much better in Phase Three of the campaign. We need better community engagement, and I would like to urge parents and guardians to bring their children for vaccination,” said Golombe.
Kasungu Pastors Fraternal chairperson Justin Zika Banda warned fellow religious leaders against discouraging their followers from accessing vaccines, saying such actions put children’s lives at risk.
“In the Bible, there is no chapter which says people should not receive medicine. Instead, it encourages us to look after children.
“As leaders, we encourage parents and guardians to take their children for vaccination for them to grow healthy.”
Banda appealed to faith leaders to work with health authorities to promote child health and encourage people to embrace vaccination programmes.
