The Ministry of Health  has said event organisers need to exercise caution this summer so that they do not act as hotspots for the cholera outbreak.

The ministry’s spokesperson Adrian Chikumbe said despite not issuing any order to stop the events, they fear that the cultural and music events happening this summer may defeat their efforts to contain the cholera outbreak which has now affected 20 districts in the country.

Women captured in rehearsal ahead of the Mulhako festival

“We feel that we should slow down on these events until the situation improves just like we did during the Covid-19 pandemic. The fear is that these events may help to escalate the outbreak. At least what we can do is to slow down,” he said.

Chikumbe further urged district councils to play a leading role in fighting the outbreak by enforcing their bylaws to ensure that the disease is contained.

He said: “We need a multi-sectoral response to deal with the outbreak. As Ministry of Health, our task is to treat those who the disease has hit, but the task of preventing the spread of the disease lies on every individual. Gatherings of more people are a big worry for us.”

 On Sunday, Mulhako wa Alhomwe chief executive officer Pius Mvenya told reporters that they will proceed with this year’s annual cultural festival under strict measures to prevent cholera and Covid-19.

He said this at Mulhako wa Alhomwe headquarters at Chonde in Mulanje ahead of the celebration scheduled for October 9.

Mvenya said: “The preparations are almost done. At least 1 000 litres of the local brew has been distilled already. We are on track. Our guests have also confirmed their participation, including the guest of honour.”

He claimed that government was trying to stop their celebrations a move he branded as political.

But Chikumbe refuted issuing any order to stop the celebration.

He said: “We don’t have cholera here and we have engaged Ministry of Health and have advised us on what to do. So far, we have already purchased 2 000 litres of hand sanitisers, we have hired five water bowsers and restored running water around the premises so we are on track. Whether cholera or not, the festival will still take place.”

In a separate interview, one of the organisers of the event, Elida Mawononga invited all Lhomwes to participate in this year’s cultural festival.

“Some were saying the festival will not take place, but I would like to encourage all Malawians to come and enjoy a celebration of the Lhomwe culture,” she said.

Some of the major festivals that have taken place in the face of the cholera outbreak include Umhlangano wa Maseko, Umthetho and Kulamba that took place in Zambia, but had many Malawians, including President Lazarus Chakwera in attendance.

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