Malawi Red Cross Society has applauded some chiefs in Zomba for their efforts in promoting Covid-19 vaccination in the district’s hard-to-reach areas.

Speaking after meeting with health personnel in Sub Traditional Authority (ST/A) Nkapita at Chingale in Zomba, Red Cross Africa Covid-19 Vaccination Project coordinator Mercy Chalimba said the chiefs are helping in debunking misinformation paralysing Covid-19 vaccination administration.

She said: “Where the chiefs were actively involved, there has been an increase in the uptake of the vaccines in the rural areas.

Red Cross staff monitors Covid-19 vaccination in Chingale

“We urge the chiefs to continue their efforts as we are not aware of how hurtful the other waves might be in the future if people are not protected now.”

In his remarks, village head Mcherenga from Senior Chief Mlumbe said when the district’s health workers reached out to him, he felt duty-bound to get vaccinated first and later encourage his subjects to get the jabs.

On her part, Group village head Lambulira in T/A Chikowi said to reach out to many people, she utilises tribunal meetings to encourage her subjects to get vaccinated.

Zomba district environmental officer Dickson Kazembe said despite the success, health surveillance assistants face various challenges in their line of duty during vaccine administration, including mobility problems and lack of personal protective eqipment.

“Some of these challenges disturb vaccination execution,” he said.

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