Alarmed by a recent surge in COVID-19 cases, the Malawian government, partnering with the World Health Organization (WHO), has launched a targeted vaccination campaign in ten high-risk districts.
Nsanje, in southern Malawi, currently bears the weight of this resurgence, with 17 new cases in just three weeks, including concerning infections among healthcare workers.
This renewed push aims to boost vaccination rates, which remain worryingly low in some areas, dipping as low as 40%.
The campaign also seeks to prevent vaccine wastage, a bitter lesson learned in 2020 when nearly 20,000 expired doses were discarded due to hesitancy.
However, recent public awareness efforts have helped sway public opinion.
Focusing on ten hotspot districts, including Machinga, Blantyre, Dowa, Mzimba, and Nsanje, the campaign hopes to turn the tide. With renewed commitment, education, and targeted distribution, Malawi can combat this resurgence and achieve its vaccination goals.