PLAN CALLS FOR EQUAL ACCESS TO COVID-19 VACCINES

By Kenson McCloud 

As Malawi is expected to roll out its Covid-19 vaccination campaign in March, Plan International Malawi has called on authorities to be transparent in managing the process. 

The organisation is of the view that failure to ensure equitable access to and availability of safe and effective vaccines in communities will not only be a major blow to rights of girls and women but also hinder progress towards ending the pandemic.

In an intervew with Timveni, Communications and Campaign Manager for Plan International Malawi, Rogers Siula said "Women and girls have been hit hard by the virus." 

He cited economic downturns and closure of schools with 88% of girls reported to experience anxiety due to the pandemic.

"Governent needs to see to it that everyone gets fair share of the vaccine regardless of gender, income and nationality." said Siula.

Siula further called for mass sensitization to defeat vaccine myths. 

According to an indicative distribution forecast announced by the Global Vaccine Alliance, Malawi will receive One million four hundred and seventy six thousand doses developed by the British-Swedish drug company Astra Zeneca by the end of this month.