Lilongwe, 8 April 2022- Malawi has received 1.9 million doses of Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV) from the Worldwide Emergency Stockpile to toughen the first spherical of the oral cholera vaccination campaign. With toughen from the World Smartly being Group (WHO), UNICEF, and partners, Malawi is planning to behavior an oral cholera vaccination campaign over the subsequent few weeks.  The vaccination campaign will goal 1.9 million folks comprising all adults and younger folks from 365 days historical upwards who live in flood-affected and cholera-inclined districts. The centered folks will receive two doses of cholera vaccines two weeks apart. Right here’s following the declaration of a cholera outbreak in Malawi on 3 March 2022. So a ways, Malawi has recorded over 65 cholera instances and 3 deaths across two districts in the southern mutter.

A complete of 3.9 million oral cholera vaccines had been authorised to prevent the chance of cholera spread in flood-affected districts in Malawi with toughen from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

To enhance preparedness and response to cholera outbreak in susceptible populations, WHO has correspondingly donated to the Malawi Ministry of Smartly being diversified cholera investigation, laboratory, and case administration kits valued at 64 Million Malawi Kwacha.

Performing WHO Advertising and marketing consultant in Malawi Dr Janet Kayita formally handed over the cholera kits to the Minister of Smartly being Honorable Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda in Lilongwe on 7 April 2022. These emergency cholera kits will be prepositioned in cholera high-danger districts to strengthen cholera response and readiness.

On 24 January 2022, Malawi was as soon as hit by moderate tropical storm Ana whichcaused severe flooding in 19 districts of the Southern and Central regions. The tropical storm destroyed properties, get water sources, and bogs, thus leaving virtually 200,000 folks displaced in informal camps. In conserving with the health analysis document, the displaced folks in camps indulge in insufficient dwelling dwelling and insufficient accumulate entry to to get absorbing water, sanitation, and hygiene, placing them in danger of cholera and diverse vector borne illnesses.

Cholera remains a disregarded illness despite many developing countries in the enviornment facing cholera outbreaks or the specter of a cholera epidemic.” Mentioned Dr Janet Kayita Performing WHO Advertising and marketing consultant in Malawi. “Every loss of life from cholera is preventable with the instruments now we indulge in got this day. Subsequently, WHO commits to construct toughen to the Ministry of Smartly being to place into effect fast, long-term cholera control, collectively with surveillance, outbreak response and preventive measures.”

“Despite the routine of cholera in the country, the Ministry of Smartly being is committed to the realm technique to accumulate rid of cholera. With technical toughen from WHO, the country is implementing a multisectoral contrivance integrating reinforced surveillance, vaccination, community mobilization and water, sanitation and hygiene to prevent and control cholera in hotspots districts.” Mentioned Dr Storn Kabuluzi, Director of Preventive Smartly being Services and products in the Ministry of Smartly being. 

Cholera contributes substantially to the illness burden in Malawi and is endemic with instances confirmed virtually annually for the reason that first cholera case in the country was as soon as detected in Nsanje district in 1973. Historically, cholera outbreaks are confirmed in districts along Lake Malawi and Shire River valley due to flooding in the low-lying districts in the Southern Arena.

Envisioning a world the build cholera is now not any longer a public health threat, the Worldwide Taskforce on Cholera Inspire watch over (GTFCC) launched the Worldwide roadmap for lowering cholera deaths by 90% by 2030. WHO Country Offices are supporting the Member States to be per the realm roadmap by strengthening capacities in countries be pleased Malawi in cholera preparedness and response readiness.

For more recordsdata please contact:

Dr. Gertrude Chapotera, +265881765802, chapoterag [at] who.int

Ms. Veronica Mukhuna, +265999375094, mukhunav [at] who.int