By Tamala Kamanga

Dowa, March 29. Mana: Dowa District Environmental Officer (DEO) James Mtonga says Mother Care Groups (MCGs) are essential in promoting vaccine advocacy among under-five children in rural areas.

Mtonga made the remarks Friday at the end of a media tour organized to appreciate the progress of Extended Immunization Programme (EIP).

He said, before the formation of MCGs, it was difficult for the EIP to achieve its target.

"The major issue was defaulters which affected our immunization campaign, and to reach our target of 85 percent coverage. But the coming in of these MCGs has helped us to reach our target.

"The MCGs have been crucial in vaccine advocacy which is very important because the ideal situation is to have all children vaccinated with all the required vaccinations, and this promote their health well-being," he said.

The MCGs use volunteers to trace mothers with under-five children in their areas, and they follow up to make sure they are adhering to all immunization sessions.

Chizolowondo Health Centre MCG Secretary, Felia Binwell, said they conduct door-to-door visits to families that have under-five children to advocate for vaccinations.

She however said one of the challenges they meet is resistance due to cultural and religious beliefs.

"Our advocacy for vaccine uptake amongst under-five children has faced various challenges because of cultural and religious beliefs amongst some people. But we are making significant strides, and so far we have managed to convince six families to change their perceptions.

"Another challenge was space. We used to do under-five clinics under a tree, but through the trainings we had received, we have managed to build an under-five clinic in collaboration with our village leaders and parliamentarian," she said.

Binwell also said they have made strides in encouraging male involvement in children immunization.

The media visited Chilambe under-five clinic under Chizolowondo health centre in Traditional Authority (T/A) Chakhaza and Mtekenya health post in T/A Msakambewa.