Covid-19 vaccine hoax cause learners to protest in KU

By Vincent Khonje and Yankho Phiri, Mana

Classes at Chithiba and Boma Primary schools in Kasungu were disrupted on Thursday morning after learners took to the streets protesting against health officials allegedly administering COVID-19 vaccine.

Despite government not announcing anything on availability and administration of COVID-19 vaccine in the country, there was misinformation which led to the learners to protest.

Clad in their uniforms, the learners went to the streets chanting songs until riot police blocked and dispersed them.

Kasungu District Health Office Public Relations Officer, Catherine Yoweri, said there was no truth in the rumours of administration of the vaccine.

Yoweri expressed surprise that there were even health officials visiting the said schools.

"We are equally surprised at the cause of rioting because as Ministry of Health, there is no any activity (relating to vaccines) taking place in schools," said Yoweri.

Responding to media queries, Director of Education, Youth and Sports Anderson Ntandika said he was equally surprised and described the development as worrisome.

"The students acted on a rumour which is just currently circulating in a lot of districts in the country. This is worrisome," said Ntandika.

The rising cases of COVID-19 has shaken the whole country including Kasungu which, as of Thursday, had 43 active cases with new seven cases registered on the day.

On Thursday during a press briefing in Lilongwe, Chairperson of the Presidential Committee on COVID-19, Dr John Phuka dispelled allegations concerning COVID-19 vaccine, saying as of now, the country is not administering any vaccine of that kind.