Cross-border traders get Covid-19 jabs

 Some cross-border traders in Mwanza District have received their Covid-19 jabs to boost their immunity against the respiratory infection.

This follows a Covid-19 awareness campaign that Cross-Border Traders Association of Malawi, in conjunction with the Ministry of Health, Malawi Revenue Authority and the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services, conducted on Wednesday in the district.

Speaking during the event, the association’s president Steve Yohane said it was important for community members and traders to get Covid-19 vaccination

 He said: “These traders travel to different countries to do business, which puts them at risk of contracting the disease.

“So, we ask them to comply with Covid-19 preventive measures at different borders, but importantly, to get vaccinated against the disease.”

Mwanza District Health Office (DHO) Expanded Programme on Immunisation coordinator Pilirani Riccoe Kanjoka said about 12 000 people have been vaccinated against Covid-19 in the district.

He said the DHO targeted to vaccinate 75 000 people.

“We believe the figures will improve following the awareness campaign run by the association,” said Kanjoka.

Mwanza District Council trade officer Mervin Mkondiwa described the initiative as crucial in preventing the spread of the pandemic in the district.

“Being a border district, people are at a high risk of contracting the disease due to travellers,” he said.

With funding from Southern Africa Trust, Cross-Border Traders Association of Malawi is implementing a four-month Covid-19 awareness campaign in the country’s 16 border districts.

The association has so far conducted awareness campaigns in Mchinji and Karonga districts