Lipato who said this on Thursday after taking his jab during the launch of COVID-19 vaccination campaign in Mulanje has since pleaded with the midwives to get vaccinated now as they are among risky populations.

“I have taken my first jab and I urge my fellow midwives to do the same and then continue clearing myths that surrounds COVID-19 vaccine,” said Lipato.

The Acting District Commissioner for Mulanje, Mr. Enock Chumachao, who also received his first jab said by getting vaccinated on the very first day of the exercise, he wants to send a positive message to people in the district about the vaccine.

“I hope having seen us receiving the vaccine, more people will not hesitate to access the vaccine,” said Chumachao.

NICE District Civic Education Officer, Saiti Chikwapulo, who has also received his first jab said he will now be sensitizing masses about COVID-19 vaccine with his COVID-19 vaccination card in hand demonstrating that the vaccine is not harmful.

“As NICE, we have added COVID-19 and this vaccine (AstraZeneca) on the list of issues to sensitize masses. With my COVID-19 vaccination card in hand, I will be showing people that the vaccine is not harmful as some claim,” said Chikwapulo. 

According to Director of Health and Social Services at Mulanje District Council, Dr. Alinafe Kalanga, the district has so far registered 597 positive cases and 27 deaths.

Both senior and junior health workers, Officers-In-Charge from Police, Prison and Immigration, and other officers from public and Civil Society Organizations in Mulanje have received their jabs today.