Cholera Outbreak in Machinga District Hospital: 79 Patients, Only 30-40 Beds Available

Malawi: The Machinga District Hospital is facing a critical shortage of beds in its Cholera Treatment Unit (CTU) as the number of patients seeking treatment for cholera continues to rise, writes Esther Banda.

Currently, 79 patients are receiving treatment at the hospital, but only 30–40 can be accommodated on beds, leaving the rest of the patients on the floor.

In contrast, Ntaja Health Centre in the same district has not recorded any cases for the past five days.

Robert Phiri, a senior medical assistant at the facility, attributes this success to the various interventions implemented, including the distribution of chlorine by health surveillance assistants to the community to encourage the use of treated water.

The district is pleading with partners and well-wishers to help with more beds and other necessary materials to assist with the treatment of cholera patients.