Vaccine hesitancy in Malawi: a threat to already-made health gains

Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2023 Aug 16;85(10):5291-5293. doi: 10.1097/MS9.0000000000001198. eCollection 2023 Oct.

Abstract

Malawi faces a growing concern about vaccine hesitancy. This threatens to undermine significant strides in the fight against infectious diseases in the country. Vaccine hesitancy in Malawi is driven by multiple factors. This short communication discusses the extent of vaccine hesitancy in Malawi and its main drivers according to SAGE's (Strategic Advisory Group of Expert) 3Cs (confidence, complacency and convenience) model of vaccine hesitancy. As an escalating health concern, it is imperative to address it urgently. It is imperative to address it urgently through comprehensive and sustainable awareness campaigns that should aim to increase acceptance and demand for vaccines.

Keywords: Malawi; complacency; immunisations; vaccine confidence; vaccine hesitancy.