Communities in Nsanje and Chikwawa districts have received cholera prevention supplies aimed at curbing the spread of the disease as Malawi continues to battle new outbreaks in parts of the Southern Region.
Speaking during the handover, Peter Phiri, Country Director of WaterAid Malawi, said the donation includes WaterGuard water treatment solution and buckets that will help households access and safely store clean water.
“Cholera is a WASH-related disease linked to water, sanitation and hygiene. These supplies will assist communities that sometimes rely on unprotected water sources. The WaterGuard will enable families to treat their drinking water at household level, while the buckets will help with safe storage,” he said.
Phiri noted that the donation comes at a critical time when the country is grappling with cholera cases, particularly in southern districts.
According to Modester Kanjaye, Director of Sanitation and Hygiene in the Ministry of Health, the current outbreak remains a significant public health concern.
“The magnitude of the problem is big. Presently, we have registered over 2,000 suspected cases, of which more than 700 have been confirmed. We have also recorded five deaths,” Kanjaye said.
She described the deaths as tragic, emphasising that cholera is a preventable disease.
“Even losing a single life is a tragedy, especially from a disease that can be prevented. While we have not yet reached the levels seen during the 2022–2023 outbreak, we need to do everything possible to stop the situation from escalating,” she added.
Health authorities and partners are continuing to promote improved water treatment, sanitation and hygiene practices as part of efforts to contain the outbreak and prevent further loss of life.
By Stephanie Chitheka
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