Leader of Opposition in Parliament Calls for Emergency Measures to Combat Cholera Outbreak in Malawi

Malawi: Kondwani Nankhumwa, MP, Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, and DPP Vice President for the Southern Region, on Friday, December 30, 2022, called for more emergency measures to fight the cholera outbreak that is currently raging across many townships in Blantyre and across the country, writes Judgment Katika.

Nankhumwa made the call after touring some Limbe and Makhetha dispensaries, which are among the three cholera facilities in Blantyre city with many admissions. Another one is the Bangwe Clinic.

Nankhumwa commended the Blantyre District Health Office (DHO) and the entire staff for their dedication to work during this time, especially considering the fact that they are working under difficult conditions without the necessary tools required for such work.

The Leader of the Opposition in Parliament called upon other stakeholders beyond just the government such as non-governmental players, to join the fight against the outbreak as they did during the fight against COVID-19.

Nankhumwa also emphasized the need to treat the situation at the source by investing in civic education and educating the people and whole communities on the importance of maintaining good hygiene because cholera is spread due to a lack of proper hygiene, especially in the locations.

He added that, as Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, he will lobby for more resources to be directed towards the treatment of the disease.

Dr Mathews Ngwale, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Health, and other officials accompanied Nankhumwa.

Dr Ngwale also described the situation as "dire" and warranting emergency intervention.

Dr Gift Kawalazira, DHO of Blantyre, informed Nankhumwa that the cholera death rate is currently at 4.4 percent.

He said many people are now taking the cholera vaccine, and it is hoped the situation could improve.

He thanked the Red Cross and Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) for their various interventions in the fight against the unprecedented cholera outbreak.

Dora Mwafulirwa, who is in charge of the Limbe cholera treatment facility, took Nankhumwa around the facility.