Machinga district has been recognized as the country’s top performer in Covid-19 vaccination uptake, achieving a 75 percent vaccination rate compared to the national average of 70 percent, as reported by USAID and UNICEF.

Alfred Phiri, the district Chief Preventive Health Officer, described the achievement as a milestone, noting that they have encountered challenges in reaching people in the district due to widespread myths surrounding the vaccine.

Phiri said this during a stakeholders meeting organized by UNICEF and USAID.

Traditional Authority Mzinga, whose  area has been identified as the best performer in the district, emphasized the importance of strong coordination among stakeholders and mentioned that they led by example in getting vaccinated and dispelling myths through awareness campaigns.

In noteworthy development, two villages Mbewe and Chindu, under Traditional Authorities Nsanama and Mlomba respectively, achieved a 100 percent Covid-19 vaccine uptake, a feat that excited Paramount Chief Kawinga.

Kawinga called on the government to consider promoting the chiefs.

A report shows that Machinga district health office, the district recorded 1025 cases  of Covid-19 and 45 deaths.