LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)—The Malawi Government has rolled out the first phase of a nationwide polio vaccination campaign in eight districts Mwanza, Chiladzulu, Nsanje, Neno, Blantyre, Zomba, Thyolo, and Chikwawa with health workers set to administer the life-saving vaccine from February 11 to 14.
The campaign aims to protect children from polio, a highly infectious and potentially disabling disease that remains a serious public health threat.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Health, Secretary for Health Dan Namalika announced that the vaccination exercise will be conducted door-to-door by trained health workers as part of the government’s continued efforts to strengthen routine immunization and safeguard children against preventable diseases.
Namalika said the campaign will target all children under the age of five in the identified districts during this first phase, with plans to expand coverage nationwide in subsequent rounds.
He emphasized that the initiative demonstrates Malawi’s commitment to maintaining its polio-free status and preventing any possible resurgence of the virus.
“Polio remains a serious public health threat, and vaccination is the most effective way to protect our children.
“We are calling upon all parents and guardians to ensure that every eligible child receives the vaccine during this campaign,” said Namalika.
The Secretary for Health further explained that health workers, supported by community volunteers and development partners, will be deployed to health facilities, outreach clinics, schools, and designated community points to ensure the vaccine reaches every eligible child.
He assured the public that the polio vaccine is safe, effective, and will be provided free of charge.
Namalika also appealed to traditional leaders, religious institutions, and community-based organizations to help mobilize communities and raise awareness about the importance of immunization.
The Ministry of Health has urged parents and guardians to cooperate fully with health officials, stressing that collective action is critical to protecting future generations from the crippling effects of polio.
