Mzimba North District Health Office Meets Covid Vaccination Target

Malawi: Mzimba North, with a population of 599,180 (NSO P2018), 25 health centres, 29 vaccination sites, 248 catchment areas, 112 village clinics, 92 of which are active, and 259 outreach clinics, smiles after achieving its target of vaccinating 30% of its population.

Malawi's government set a target of vaccinating 30% of its population from January to June of this year.

And, by the end of June, Mzimba North DHO had already completed its task, despite the challenges of the rains, because other HSAs use a door-to-door strategy, which is difficult when it rains, as well as a lack of funding from donors.

Lovemore Kawayi, the spokesperson for the Mzimba North DHO, stated that they managed the task using various strategies.

"At first, we used to vaccinate people only in hospitals, where there were long lines," he explained.

So we thought of using other strategic planning methods such as using our vehicle with a PA system calling people to come and also following where there is a crowd of people such as market days, during functions, and so on, added Kawayi.

This was stated during a media tour of the district's Chambo.

The purpose of the media tour is for journalists to appreciate and showcase what the Mzimba North DHO has done thus far.

In a special interview with Kondwani Zgambo, School health nutrition coordinator at one of the sites visited, he stated that parents are causing more pupils to be late because of cultural beliefs.

The tour will continue in Rumphi and elsewhere.