Health authorities are urging the media to play a key role in dispelling misconceptions about vaccines as the Ministry of Health launches a polio vaccination campaign targeting children under 10 in eight southern districts.

"The media has a crucial role in helping us reach our target of 218,887 children in Thyolo," said Harry Chilumbu, Expanded Program on Immunization Coordinator for Thyolo. 

He appealed "We need your help to debunk myths and misconceptions about vaccines and ensure that parents are aware of the importance of immunization."

The campaign, running from February 11-17, focuses on districts surrounding Blantyre, where an environmental sewage treatment plant test reported a type-two polio case.

Director of Education and Sports, Rabson Kawalala, emphasized the education sector's commitment to supporting the effort. 

"Trained teachers will provide civic education to encourage immunization and ensure that children are protected from polio," Kawalala said.

The vaccination campaign aims to protect children from polio, a highly infectious disease that can cause paralysis and death.