Typhoid conjugate vaccine uptake rises in Salima
Fighting fever-related illnesses
On a bright Monday morning at Salima District Hospital in Malawi's Central Region, the hospital is abuzz with activity. Health Surveillance Assistants (HSAs) in their distinctive blue uniforms can be seen bustling around. Some are attending to the needs of maternity wards, while others are diligently administering vaccines to children of varying ages and doses. The cries of children receiving their vaccinations in the immunization room echo through the corridors, serving as an emotional reminder of the discomfort they endure for their health's sake. Meanwhile, mothers with 9-month-old infants patiently wait in line, ensuring their little ones receive both the Typhoid Fever Vaccine and Measles Rubella 1, essential safeguards against fever-related illnesses.
When the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV) was launched last year, there was a negative response from the community, but tables turned after sensitising them on the importance of giving their children the vaccine. HAS Estere Kapachira explains her experiences before and after the launch.
“When TCV was initially introduced, mothers and community members hesitated to bring their children to the hospital for vaccination. This reluctance stemmed from a lack of understanding of the Chichewa name of the vaccine and concerns about potential health complications arising from multiple vaccinations that their children already receive.”, she said.
“I recall instances where some mothers went as far as hiding their children from us during the door-to-door campaign to prevent them from receiving the vaccine. "Over time, through sensitisation efforts highlighting the importance of the vaccine and the risks associated with not vaccinating against Typhoid, the community's response has shifted positively and mothers whose children have turned 9 months voluntarily come to the hospital for TCV. The immunization room is never empty, it is always crowded with mothers and under-five children to receive different vaccines including TCV.
Maxwell Chapweteka, Cold Chain Technician at Salima District Hospital, highlights the progress in terms of number of children that have been vaccinated since the launch in Salima district. "Since the launch, Salima district has recorded 1789 vaccinations for children under five between August and December 2023, with the Salima District Hospital contributing 399 to this total. In January 2024 alone, Salima district registered 1094 vaccinations, with Salima District Hospital contributing 202. This January outcome alone indicates a promising upward trend in vaccination uptake."
"At first, the campaign focused on children aged 9 months to 14 years. After the campaign, we transitioned to the routine vaccination schedule, where the Typhoid vaccine is administered in conjunction with Measles 1," says Kachapira.
"The reason we administer the vaccine to children from 9 months is because it's a stage when they are transitioning from exclusive breast milk to a combination of various foods. This dietary shift increases their vulnerability to Typhoid fever from contaminated food. By administering early doses of the vaccine, we aim to safeguard them from the disease as they continue to grow”, continues Kachapira.
Funded by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF is supporting the Ministry of Health with efforts to make sure that under-five children are protected from Typhoid fever in Malawi, including Salima district.
