Mandatory Covid jabs in Malawi ‘violate human rights’, say civil society groups

Measure aimed at frontline workers to reduce spread of Omicron variant may increase unrest in country with low vaccine take-up, critics warn

• Coronavirus - latest updates
• See all our coronavirus coverage

Civil rights groups in Malawi have cautioned the government on its decision to make the Covid-19 vaccination mandatory for frontline workers.

From January, it will be compulsory for public sector workers, including healthcare staff, police and teachers, as well as journalists, to be vaccinated, after an announcement by Malawi's health minister, Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, last week.