Escalating Cholera Cases in Lilongwe, Blantyre Concern Presidential Taskforce on Covid-19 and Cholera

Malawi: The Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19 and Cholera has expressed concern over the increasing number of cholera cases in Lilongwe and Blantyre cities, stating that the two cities have recorded 2,777 cases and 48 deaths in two weeks, writes Judgment Katika.

During a press briefing on Tuesday, the co-chairperson of the task force, Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, said the task force is concerned about the carelessness and lack of hygiene among the residents of the cities and surrounding areas.

Chiponda stated that the rising cholera cases in the two cities are the reason the Ministry of Health announced the delayed opening of schools in the cities.

Chiponda also urged the citizens to receive the oral cholera vaccine in order to protect themselves from the outbreak.

Chiponda also urged men to also receive the vaccine as they are also at risk of suffering from cholera.

Minister of Education, Agness NyaLonje, stated that her ministry will ensure that students do not miss their studies by introducing open distance learning through radio programs.

She added that the academic calendar will return to normal. NyaLonje stated that in the next 10 days, the ministry, along with relevant stakeholders, will visit schools to verify the water and sanitation situation.

NyaLonje added that the government will strengthen the guidelines that have been put in place to protect people from the dangers of COVID-19. Minister of Water and Sanitation, Abida Mia, stated that the Water Boards have provided extra pipelines to the masses in order to ensure that citizens have access to clean water.

In response to the rising pandemic, the government, through the Ministry of Education, has adjusted the opening of schools in the urban areas of Lilongwe and Blantyre to two weeks.

The task force has also announced guidelines to be followed during the next two weeks in order to curb the further spread of the outbreak.