By Gift Chiponde

Lilongwe, August 5, Mana: Minister of Health, Khumbize Kandondo Chiponda has revealed that Malawi, through the Ministry of Health, is making significant strides in the effective management of Malaria in the country.

She made the remarks on Monday during the official commencement of a three-day Country Peer Learning workshop on Malaria Vaccine at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe.

The workshop has drawn participants from various nations keen on understanding Malawi's successful implementation of the Malaria Vaccine across all healthcare facilities in the country, with the support of UNICEF.

Chiponda emphasized that the introduction of the Malaria Vaccine has led to a tremendous reduction in Malaria cases, highlighting its efficacy in combating the disease among children.

‘We have really performed well as a nation in terms of plotting the Vaccine and also in the roll out campaign, as a country we have seen numerous children being vaccinated, an initiative which is remarkable’ said Chiponda

She reassured the Malawian population that the Ministry of Health is committed to ensuring the availability of not only Malaria Vaccines but also other essential vaccines in all healthcare facilities, thus realizing universal health coverage.

“My ministry will ensure that all health facilities across the country including in hard-to-reach areas have access to vaccine which remains government top priority” Chiponda said.

Nevertheless, she acknowledged that challenges such as natural disasters like cyclones and floods, as well as the evolving nature of mosquitoes, pose significant obstacles in the fight against Malaria and warrant thorough consideration.

Neema Kimambo, World Health Organization (WHO) representative to Malawi, commended the successful implementation of the Malaria Vaccine campaign in Malawi, noting the increased accessibility of vaccines for children.

Kimambo urged other African nations to follow Malawi's example in effectively rolling out the Malaria Vaccine campaign and encouraged participants to delve into addressing challenges faced during the pilot phase.

Furthermore, Kimambo reiterated WHO's unwavering support to the Malawian government in executing the Malaria Vaccine initiative across all healthcare facilities.

In his statement, United Nations International Emergency Fund (UNICEF) representative Shadreck Omo highlighted the continued collaborative efforts between the Organisation in ensuring the seamless supply chain of vaccines to remote areas and all health facilities in the country

He affirmed UNICEF's commitment to continuing support for the government in delivering quality healthcare services, achieving universal health coverage, and meeting the 2030 health aspirations.

Omo underscored the crucial effectiveness of the Malaria Vaccine in combatting Malaria among children in Malawi, emphasising the imperative for other African nations to consider the Malawi’s successful implementation of the vaccine.