Mangochi District Health Office (DHO) has intensified efforts to scale up the uptake of malaria vaccine to boost immunity among under-five children.
The district’s Expanded Programme on Immunisation coordinator Mpatso Jussa said the district has low coverage of malaria vaccine.
He was speaking on Monday during a meeting with healthcare workers to discuss challenges contributing to the low malaria vaccine uptake.
During the meeting, it transpired that the district was recording low coverage of dose three and dose four of the malaria vaccine administered when a child is seven months and 22 months old, respectively.
Participants noted that some parents neglect taking their children for the later doses, assuming that they are already old enough and do not need them.
Others cited long distances and transport costs as barriers to accessing health facilities.
But Jussa urged the healthcare workers to strengthen their efforts and collaborate more closely to reverse the trend.
He said: “The situation is worrisome and there is need for immediate action. Healthcare
workers should reach remote areas and ensure all children receive full doses of the vaccine.
“Malaria remains one of the leading killer diseases and failing to complete the vaccination schedule is dangerous and unacceptable.”
In his remarks, the district’s assistant social welfare officer Harvey M’bwezo urged healthcare workers to make use of community-based childcare centres to reach more children.
“We have these centres across the district. Since this problem exists, I encourage you to collaborate with our structures to improve vaccine coverage,” he said.
Health surveillance assistant Martha Mambo pledged to work harder with her colleagues to improve the situation.
“It is true we have been facing challenges, but we are now determined to put in extra effort to change the situation,” she said
