The Measuring the Effectiveness of the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine in Malawi (MITIMA) Study conducted briefing meetings with traditional leaders and health workers in Ndirande and Zingwangwa townships on 16 and 17 August respectively to share the general overview of the Health Utilization Survey (HUS) and solicit ideas on how best the survey can be implemented in the areas.
This initiative follows a successful Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine Campaign which ran from 15 to 24 May 2023. During both meetings, the Project manager for the MITIMA Study Theresa Misiri expressed how their collaboration with health workers and community leaders contributed to the Typhoid Vaccine Campaign by safeguarding numerous vulnerable groups including children. Misiri however highlighted that despite vaccine availability, instances of typhoid persist, and the Health Utilization Survey (HUS) was introduced to understand why this is the case.
“This survey aims to decipher the persistence of typhoid within communities and the response to illnesses, notably those presenting fever symptoms. We are investigating potential carriers who might not seek hospital care. The survey will involve visits to selected households for data collection,” Misiri explained.
A participant in the Ndirande meeting Mrs. Ethel Inadi, who is also a Community Advisory Group (CAG) member, raised concerns about religious beliefs impacting typhoid prevalence. According to Mrs. Inadi, a segment of people around Ndirande Mountain shun medical treatment and hospitals despite efforts to change their perspective.
The Zingwangwa meeting was graced with the attendance of the Group Village Head Sizzo. In his remarks, the GVH noted that initially, sensitizing the people and encouraging their study participation was challenging. He said through collaboration between them, the community leaders, and MLW, there has been a change in attitudes towards research and health issues.
The Health Utilization Survey (HUS) scope encompasses one thousand (1000) households in each of the two areas, Ndirande and Zingwangwa, and is set to commence in September, concluding no later than December 2023. MLW Field Research Assistants and government health workers are undertaking the survey.
