The African Union through the Africa Centres for Disease Control (CDC) yesterday donated assorted essential cholera medical supplies to the Malawi Government worth over $100 000 (about 102 million).

Speaking during the handover in Lilongwe, AU Ambassador David Pierre is quoted in a statement as having said the organisation is also planning to deploy 1 100 community health workers in Lilongwe to strengthen risk communication and community engagement activities.

Pierre (5thR) symbolically handing over the items to Chiponda

He said there is need to invest in essential structures such as provision of safe and clean water, sanitary facilities, strengthening health infrastructure as well as involving communities in decision-making processes to conquer the outbreak.

Said Pierre: “We are committed to working closely with Malawi to end the cholera outbreak as soon as possible and by using all means possible. Since detecting the index case of cholera on February 28 2022, today marks one year as Malawi continues to respond to the cholera outbreak.

“We are concerned that the outbreak continues to claim lives of many people, and that there are four other countries in the Southern Africa region reporting cholera cases; hence, the need for cross-border collaboration in line with Africa CDC new public health order.”

He said in line with the Africa CDC mandate, efforts are being undertaken to ensure a well-coordinated regional approach and agree on a regional strategy in preparedness and response, particularly the need to share experiences in managing cholera and other outbreaks.

Receiving the donation, Minister of Health Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda admitted that this season’s outbreak took the country unawares, thereby exposing how fragile the country’s health system is.

She said: “This is the worst outbreak the country has ever had since the first cholera case in 1973. We appreciate our partners for coming in quickly to arrest the situation.

“It is unfortunate that we have lost over 1 500 people to cholera which is easy to prevent and treat. Maybe this is an opportunity to see how best to fix this by ensuring that people have sanitation and hygiene services.”

Chiponda said through the Tithetse Cholera Campaign, the ministry is on the ground in the villages distributing oral rehydration salts, chlorine and spreading prevention and control messages.

President Lazarus Chakwera launched the campaign in Lilongwe two weeks ago. The outbreak has killed at least 1 500 people with registered 49 000 cases.

The post Africa CDC commits to ending cholera in Malawi first appeared on The Nation Online.