Mhen drums support for immunisation

 Malawi Health Equity Network (Mhen) executive director George Jobe has called for collaboration between ward councillors and mother care groups for smooth implementation of immunisation programmes.

He said this yesterday during a meeting between the mother care groups and ward councillors at Blantyre District Health Office (DHO).

“We want the mother care groups and ward councillors to share experiences, challenges and discuss how to overcome them,” said Jobe.

Zingwangwa Health Centre Mother Care Group chairperson Joyce Sajiwa said damaged infrastructure such as bridges, clinics, houses for health surveillance assistants and lack of refrigerators to store drugs coupled with walking long distances to conduct campaigns were some of the challenges frustrating the mothers.

“We thank Blantyre DHO for helping to build some clinics, but we need more because in some areas children get vaccines under trees,” she said.

In response, Jobe pledged that Mhen will conduct refresher training for mother care groups and buy more bicycles to ease their mobility challenges.

In his remarks, Mpemba Ward councillor Mussa Chikwakwa applauded mother care groups for playing a critical role in immunisation programmes.

“We pledge to support them and ensure that their work runs smoothly,” he said.

Mhen in partnership with government is running a Health Systems Strengthening Project with funding from the Global Alliance for Vaccine