MALAWI – The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health in Malawi have called upon donors, partners, and all relevant stakeholders to strengthen the cholera outbreak response across the country.
In addition, the Ministry of Health has worked closely with WHO and partners to update the Cholera Epidemic Preparedness and Response Plan which is intended to contribute to the implementation of an effective, comprehensive, integrated system of cholera prevention and control in Malawi.
“The WHO team is working with the Ministry of Health and partners to strengthen disease surveillance, provide medical treatment for patients, distribute laboratory supplies, monitor water quality, and chlorinate public water supplies, and promote health education and hygiene,” the agency said.
The specialized agency of the United Nations is also assisting Malawi to acquire adequate oral cholera vaccine doses to protect at-risk populations in affected districts specifically prioritized by burden of Cholera disease in the districts.
“WHO supported the update of a risk assessment with greater focus on the epidemiological situation, the state of preparedness and response readiness, and identifying the critical needs in affected and at-risk districts,” the agency further said.
Furthermore, the health organization is supporting case management though capacity building, supporting surge additional health workers and support for tents, equipment, medical supplies, lab reagents and medicines for cholera case management.
The appeal for all stakeholders to contribute to the response was announced during a media briefing that was hosted by the Minister of Health Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda and the WHO Representative for Malawi Dr Neema Rusibamayila Kimambo at the Ministry of Health Headquarters in Lilongwe.
According to WHO, Malawi is battling a protracted cholera outbreak that begun in March 2022 in districts affected by Tropical storm Anna and Cyclone Gombe in the Southern region of the country.
“The current outbreak is unprecedented, spreading to districts in central and northern regions that have not experienced cholera in over a decade. From March up to Mid-August the country had 1000 cholera cases with 10 districts affected,” the agency said.
The public health organization cautioned that the risk is very high at the national level with accumulated cases of over 3,960 and 111 deaths in 22 affected districts as of October 6, 2022.
WHO highlighted that the current upsurge in cholera cases is reported in the dry season which is traditionally a low transmission period for Malawi, noting that the forthcoming rainy period could increase cholera transmission across the region.
“Malawi is facing multiple public health emergencies namely, COVIDS 19, polio and cholera outbreaks and the government is overwhelmed hence the need for more coordinated response strategy,” the agency said.
At the same time, Malawi’s health minister expressed her concerns over the cholera outbreaks hitting Malawi while calling upon all stakeholders within and beyond the health, water and sanitation sectors to contribute to the cholera response.
“We are calling for support to contain the cholera outbreak before rains hit hence the 60 days target,” Honorable Chiponda said.
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