Malawi: The Karonga District has been taking serious precautions to prevent an outbreak of Cholera in the district. The Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) has been witnessing the efforts that the administration is putting to protect the people.
In light of the administration’s diligent efforts, the Malawi Red Cross society has appreciated the communities The district has been showcasing their proactiveness in responding to Cholera with prevention measures.
MRCS Communications and International Humanitarian Law Coordinator, Felix Washoni, made the remarks Friday during a field visit to Mlare and Mpata communities in the area of Paramount Chief Kyungu where he noted that 90 percent of households were adhering to health and hygiene guidelines provided by the MRCS.
Washoni said that concerted efforts by both government and MRCS are focussed towards eradicating cholera in the district. They are engaging communities in sanitation and hygiene guidelines. The healthcare stakeholders and officials have shared that the crisis of cholera is highly serious.
The health experts claimed that cholera has claimed countless lives in Malawi and other affected areas of Africa. The previous major outbreak of cholera had been reported between March 2022 and May 2023.
The disease has since returned in smaller packages to various parts of the nation. However, these outbreaks were not as devastating and life threatening
“Karonga District has this year registered 21 Cholera cases cumulatively with one death and communities are observing key preventive practices to contain the disease,” Washoni said.
Disease Control Surveillance Assistant Officer for Nthambo Clinic which serves people of Muchenjere, Alwin Chione commended MRCS for initiating Cholera prevention practices in the area which reported three cases last year with none since the introduction of the interventions in 2024.
Group Village Head Malema said that he was pleased with impact of MRCS initiative on the community especially in sanitation and hygiene related diseases such as Cholera.
“I with other stakeholders will continue civic educating people on the necessity of abiding to public health requirements for the area and the district to be Cholera free,” said Malema.
The disease was declared as a National Public Health Emergency in Malawi on 5th December 2022.