Ministry of Health in collaboration with partners including World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF on Tuesday September 12th, 2023 launched the second phase  round this year of national Polio Vaccination Campaign.

In his remarks, Principal Secretary for Administration in the Ministry of Health Bestone Chisamile said over nine million children under the age of 15 have been targeted for the campaign.

He said Polio remains a global health issue and Malawi as a country needs to take a bold step in eradicating the disease. He then described the launch as timely.

“The campaign will be done door to door so that we reach out to as many children as possible. Let me urge authorities such as religious leaders to take a leading role in making sure that the campaign becomes a success,” explained Chisamile.

Group Village Headman Mbalame cited misconceptions and negative religious beliefs as factors affecting vaccine uptake in the district.

“There is need for more awareness to parents and nation at large so that community members can understand the importance of vaccines in the lives of their children,” said Mbalame.

Speaking at the event on behalf  of the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Represantive to Malawi, Dr. Akosa Aise called on non-governmental organizations and community leaders to work together with government in making sure that there is adequate protection for children from polio.

The second round polio vaccination campaign exercise is expected to run from 13th September to 16th in all the districts at a cost of USD6 million.