Ministry of Health launches Cholera vaccination campaign
By Llywellenie Mpasa
Ministry of Health Epidemiology Unit yesterday launched the ORAL Cholera Vaccine Program in Zingwangwa Blantyre.
Director of Health and Social Services for Blantyre District Council Dr Gift Kawalazila said Blantyre will receive about 1 million doses targeting the high-risk areas.
Speaking at the official launch of the campaign, Kawalazila said with support from the World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF, and partners, Blantyre is conducting an oral cholera vaccination campaign, targeting all adults and children from one year old upwards.
“This campaign brings a life-saving oral cholera vaccine to the people who need it most, but communities should not ignore basic preventative measures,” Kawalazila said.
The targeted people will receive two doses of cholera vaccines two weeks apart.
WHO Health Emergencies Preparedness and Response Officer Dr Gertrude Chapotera said the World Health Organization is working with other partners and is providing support to the Ministry of Health in conducting a cholera oral vaccination campaign targeting a total of 3.9 million people in the high-risk districts across the country.
The Ministry of Health declared a cholera outbreak in Malawi on 3 March 2022, following laboratory confirmation of a case in the country.
