Religious Beliefs Contribute to Rise in Cholera Cases in Country, Warns Deputy Minister of Health

Malawi: As Deputy Minister of Health, Enock Phale inspected the Balaka district hospital's cholera treatment units, he expressed concern over the seven patients who were treated at the facility after being infected by one patient from a religious camp, writes Racheal Mkotama.

The infected individual had not sought medical treatment due to their religious beliefs.

Phale urged all faith leaders to take immediate action and rush any cholera patients they come across to the hospital for medical treatment.

He also praised the hardworking healthcare workers at the Balaka district hospital for helping to reduce the percentage of the disease to less than 1 percent.

Phale also disclosed that the government has already begun distributing cholera vaccines to hot spots in the country to reduce the infection rate.

Doctor Leon Lowole, Chairperson of the district rapid response team, stated that the hospital is working in collaboration with government sectors such as the police, education, and non-governmental organizations to end the cholera disease in the district.

"We will make sure that the disease is not overwhelmed by the system, and we are happy that we are able to treat cholera patients at the hospital," said Lowole.

She also urged communities to practice proper hygiene and asked leaders to understand exactly what cholera is and how to prevent it. Lowole added that the hospital will have mobile vans to go into communities and will hold meetings with leaders to teach them about cholera.

As of Saturday, the Balaka district had recorded over 800 cholera cases, 14 deaths, and over 35 patients currently admitted to the hospital since the first cases were recorded in April 2022.

Here is the full interview of Phale: