500,000 Children Targeted for Polio Vaccination in Zomba District
Arnold M'ndalira outlined a strategy to protect children from a debilitating disease.
ZOMBA, Malawi — In the ongoing battle against polio, Zomba District Health Office (DHO) is gearing up for the third phase of its vaccination campaign, with over 472,687 children under 15 years of age set to receive the vital polio vaccine, writes Peter Davieson.
During a press briefing, Arnold M'ndalira, the Public Relations Officer for Zomba DHO, outlined the comprehensive strategy being employed to ensure that as many children as possible are protected from the debilitating disease.
"This is a door-to-door campaign," M'ndalira explained.
"We have also set up outreach clinics, and for those who are in schools, we have established teams to vaccinate children on-site. Additionally, for those living near the border, we had challenges in vaccinating during the previous campaigns, but this time around, we have deployed a team to check those passing through the border to see if children have been vaccinated, so we are in good relationship with chiefs from neighbouring borders."
M'ndalira emphasised the importance of cooperation in this crucial endeavour, calling upon media practitioners to amplify the campaign's messages.
"We urge media practitioners to help in amplifying the messages. Through working together, Malawi will become a polio-free state," he stated.
The vaccination campaign in Zomba District is a critical step in ensuring that children in the region are safeguarded against polio, bringing Malawi closer to eradicating this preventable disease.
With the concerted efforts of health officials, volunteers, and educators, the goal of a polio-free Malawi becomes increasingly achievable.