The Ministry of Gender has emphasized the importance of collective efforts among stakeholders in raising awareness about gender issues, human rights, and immunization in Malawi.
Francis Chitenje, Principal Gender and Development Officer in the Ministry of Gender, made the call on Friday 25 April 2025, after a series of training sessions for the Zomba Gender Technical Group, Health Surveillance Assistants, and community leaders.
The training aimed to equip stakeholders with information on gender issues and immunization, enabling them to work collaboratively in raising awareness and dispelling myths and misconceptions about vaccines.
Chitenje noted that ignorance about the importance of vaccines has led to refusal of vaccination in some villages across the country.
“We trained these stakeholders to appreciate the importance of working together in raising awareness in communities and breaking cultural and religious barriers that hinder people from getting vaccinated,” Chitenje said.
He expects the training to lead to improved collaboration, a conducive working environment, and increased vaccine uptake.
Senior Group Village Headman M’togolo, one of the beneficiaries, pledged to share the knowledge acquired with his subjects, ensuring that people are aware of gender issues, human rights, and immunization.
He emphasized that chiefs are at the forefront of protecting people’s rights and reporting perpetrators of violence.
Pastor Boniface Willard Ndalama of the Pentecostal Holiness Association Church concurred, saying he would encourage his followers to receive vaccines and be aware of the dangers of human rights violations.
He advised fellow church leaders to stop discouraging their members from getting vaccinated due to misconceptions, citing that there is no sin for believers to receive medical treatment.
The Ministry of Gender’s initiative underscores the importance of collective efforts in promoting awareness and education on critical issues affecting communities.
