By Rose Cross Mahorya

Mzuzu, January 25, Mana: Ministry of Health has applauded people in the area of Traditional Authority Kampingo Sibande in Mzimba District for their commitment in up taking immunization against diseases and other related health services.

Speaking Thursday at Chikhwengwe Health Post, Deputy Minister of Health, Halima Daudi said that construction of house for a health surveillance assistant (HAS) and an under- five clinics through Chikhwengwe Mother Group was evident enough to demonstrate the community members value health services.

 “I am impressed with the community’s level of commitment in ensuring that there is easy access to health services here.

I have taken note of all the challenges which have been listed including absence of potable water at the facility and I assure that we will assist accordingly,” said Daudi.

Chairperson for Chikhwengwe mother group Melifa Phiri said women used to cover long distances to and from the nearest health centre which is a 30 to 45 minutes’ walk and that, that led to an increase in immunization defaulters.

“When we saw the need for a health facility and a house for an HAS, we approached our traditional leaders for the support in coming up with the structures and lucky enough, they welcomed the idea, together we worked on the two projects.

Ever since we started working with the Ministry of Health and Malawi Health Equity Network in monitoring adherence to health seeking behavior, we have noted increased uptake of immunizations,” Phiri said.

Director of Health and Social Services for Mzimba North District, Dr. Naomi Mulwafu added that since establishment of Mother Groups in 2019, there has been increased adherence to immunization with current uptake rate being at about 91 percent.

The health post has a refrigerator for vaccines storage which Chikhwengwe Mother Group advocated for.