By Pempho Nkhoma

Blantyre, February 28, Mana: Since its establishment in November 2024, Nangafuwe Mother Care Group (MCG) at Kezembe Village, Traditional Authority (TA) Machinjiri in Blantyre has reached out to 223 parents through community mobilization with under five immunisation information to ensure child vaccine wider coverage.

Malawi Health Equity Network (MHEN) that facilitated formation of the MCG visited the MSG Thursday to appreciate its strides towards child vaccine wider coverage.

Nangafuwe MCG representative, Regina Chibwana, said through their community mobilisation the group reached to over 223; seven of them did not follow proper vaccine procedures and five were on zero dose.

“Our work is to advocate for child immunization through community mobilisation and other ways. Out of 223 children that started receiving vaccine, seven were receiving vaccine without following proper procedures while five were on zero dose, they have all started receiving vaccine,” she said.

Chibwana highlighted some of the challenges, citing reluctance of some parents to take their children for vaccination due to religious beliefs.

“We have encountered other scenarios where parents would agree to bring a child for vaccine but never show up at our vaccine site,” she said.

Village Head Kazembe called on MHEN and other partners to continue supporting MCG saying the groups lack resources for effective community mobilisation.

“We are operating in a damaged shelter. We have already identified the site to construct a decent shelter and we need construction materials. We also need t-shirt for identification,” she said.

MHEN Assistant Project Officer, Helbert Chakwawa, encouraged the group to continue working hard and to use the knowledge imparted in them when they face challenges in their line of duty.

Nangafuwe MCG operates under Makhetha Clinic in Machinjiri and has over 20 members.