Malawi: Mzimba North District Health Office is set to administer Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV) in six selected areas. These areas allegedly have registered cholera cases in these district of the country.
The health office has shared that it is important for the communities to have access to the oral vaccines to protect themselves. The Cholera outbreak is a cause of concern for the people of the country, especially in the epicenter.
The Mzimba North District health officer addressed an emergency meeting on Monday. The officials have shared that the meeting was aimed at addressing increased cholera cases in the district.
The Health Promotion Officer responsible for Mzimba North, Lovemore Kawaye, said that the vaccination exercise will commence from January 22 to 26, 2025. The officials have shared that the cholera preventive measures that the nation has been constant ongoing efforts.
“We are targeting the communities of Bwengu, Kamwe, Luzi, Enukweni, Kaweche and Engucwini, targeting all individuals from the ages of one and above.
In the past campaigns the OCV was given in two doses, this year’s vaccine will only be given in one dose and it will be administered in all healthy facilities and temporal sites such as schools, markets and churches,” said Kawayi.
District Social Welfare Officer for Mzimba North, Hellen Simwaka, said that early childhood development centres (EDC) and community-based care centre (CBCCs) will ensure that all targeted children access the vaccine.
According to the health office statistics, Mzimba North has registered a total of 33 confirmed cholera cases. The district has recorded no deaths since September 2024.
The officials have shared that the government has been working hard to make sure that all the affected communities are included.
The officials have shared that it is important for the communities to understand the importance of cholera prevention. The leadership has urged the people of the community to maintain hygiene standards to prevent a serious Outbreak.