LILONGWE, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Malawian Ministry of Health has launched a fresh COVID-19 vaccination campaign, scheduled to run from Feb. 18 to 23, in response to a potential outbreak of the epidemic.
Secretary for Health Samson Mndolo said in a statement that although the number of recorded COVID-19 cases, admissions, and deaths has remained very low since the second half of 2023, the pandemic has the potential to cause outbreaks as it still exists in many countries around the world.
As of Sunday, Malawi had 90 active cases, and the total number of recorded cases since April 2020, when the first cases were confirmed, was 89,534, while 2,686 deaths had been recorded since then, according to the statement.
Mndolo said the country's COVID-19 vaccine coverage was lower than recommended, and the level of protective immunity for those who had been vaccinated began to decline 6 to 12 months after the last dose.
According to the secretary for health, Malawi is integrating COVID-19 vaccination into primary health care services and routine immunization systems, in line with World Health Organization (WHO) guidance and recommendations.
The WHO recommends that countries remain vigilant and continue to use vaccination as part of routine disease control, even though the pandemic is no longer declared a public health emergency of international concern.
During the campaign, which will be carried out in the country's health facilities, markets, and other convenient places, the Johnson and Johnson vaccine will be administered, and eligible individuals will also receive booster doses. ■