MALAWI: Cholera Outbreak Hits Malawi: 233 Cases And 14 Deaths Reported

By Smile Hamilton, Malawi 

Malawi is grappling with a cholera outbreak that has claimed 14 lives and infected 233 people since September last year.

According to the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Samson Mndolo, five districts – Chitipa, Karonga, Machinga, Balaka, and Mzimba North – have been affected.

The government has secured 720,185 doses of oral cholera vaccine from the World Health Organization (WHO), which are expected to arrive in the country.

The vaccine administration is set to take place by the end of January in the affected districts.

In addition to vaccination efforts, the government has intensified promoting Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) practices, including household water chlorination.

Health Rights Activist George Jobe emphasised the need for increased awareness on cholera prevention in public places, including schools, and urged people to receive the vaccine once administration begins.

The Ministry of Health has also urged citizens to take preventive measures, such as washing hands frequently, drinking safe water, and avoiding eating undercooked food.

The government has also set up cholera treatment centers in the affected districts to provide medical care to those infected.

Meanwhile, health experts have warned that the cholera outbreak could worsen if not properly contained.

They have called on the government to provide additional resources to support the response efforts and to ensure that the vaccine is distributed evenly.

The cholera outbreak has also raised concerns about the country’s preparedness to deal with public health emergencies.

The government has been criticized for its slow response to the outbreak, and there are fears that the situation could deteriorate further if not addressed promptly.