DOWA DHO OPTIMISTIC OF MEETING THE TARGET DURING PHASE 2 OF THE POLIO VACCINATION CAMPAIGN
In a bid to contain the spreading of polio, the Dowa district health office on Tuesday 12 September 2023, launched phase two of a polio vaccine campaign effective 13 to 16 September 2023.
Speaking during the launch, Dowa District Hospital Medical Officer Ronald Mhango stressed a need for continued efforts to ensure that all children under the age of 15 are vaccinated with the vaccine.
“This launch marks the third launch of polio vaccine in the country. The aim is to capture all children not more than 15 years of age to make sure that each one of them has received the vaccine. And we are calling for continued efforts to successfully carry the exercise.” He said.
Mhango while expressing his satisfaction with the district’s performance in the previous campaigns, has advised people not to relent but be determined to continue from where they stopped.
“In the previous campaign, we managed to get 107% of people who were expected to be vaccinated. We are hopeful that this particular campaign will get at least 100% of people expected to be vaccinated.” He added.
On his part, Dowa Vice Council Chair Councilor Samuel Chipula appealed to all stakeholders responsible, to work collaboratively for the wellbeing of the children.
“I urge all stakeholders such as medical personnel, religious leaders, traditional leaders, and others to be committed so as one, we fight polio in our district and Malawi as a whole.”
“Let’s willingly and positively participate in the exercise so that the campaign yields the desired results.” Said Chipula.
In his comment, Senior Chief Chiwere condemned some traditional and religious beliefs that stop people from accessing medical services citing this negatively affects the development of the country.
He warned that bylaws in the communities will take their course on anyone who compromises the exercise due to such beliefs.
“As chiefs we are aware of some beliefs in the communities that stop people from receiving such vaccines. But we will work hand in hand with health personnel by sensitizing our subjects on the importance of the vaccines. Chiwere said.”
“And we have bylaws in our communities that we will use to punish whosoever tries to go against the directive of the ministry of health.” Chiwere added.”
The Polio vaccine that will be offered in public and mission hospitals, schools, churches, and households is targeting a population of 422,105,000 children under the age of 15 years.
