NGO in door-to-door Covid-19 awareness

World Relief Malawi has embarked on a door-to-door Covid-19 sensitisation campaign in Dedza District to promote the uptake of vaccines.

In an interview on Tuesday, Dedza World Relief Malawi Scope Covid-19 project supervisor Gomezgani Tembo  said they are targeting about 44 000 people in traditional authorities (T/As) Kaphuka, Kachere and Kachindamoto.

“We are working with health surveillance assistants to take Covid-19 messages to people’s homes,” he said.

Tembo said those willing to get vaccinated later go to a community ground to receive their jabs.

“So far, 175 000 people from the three areas have been vaccinated against the disease,” he said.

Tembo said they also empowered traditional and faith leaders with updated Covid-19 guidelines.

“We want the leaders to dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding Covid-19 vaccines in their communities,” he said.

Dedza District Health Office health promotion officer Mwayi Liyabunya hailed the organisation for engaging communities on Covid-19 vaccination.

“We want to reach out to many people in the district with correct information about Covid-19,” he said.

One of the community members, Geoffrey Latiel from T/A Kaphuka said the door-to-door initiative was effective and easy to convince more individuals or couples to take Covid-19 preventive measures seriously.

“Sometimes addressing large numbers of people in markets and other public places can be challenging because others may not have the chance to ask burning questions,” he said.

The six-month project is funded by USaid to support the District Health Office in promoting Covid-19 vaccination to mitigate local transmissions and reduce deaths.