Malawi has officially declared an end to the country’s worst cholera outbreak, which began in March 2022 and claimed nearly 2,000 lives. The announcement was made on Monday by the Ministry of Health, following four weeks with no reported cases or deaths in 26 out of the country’s 29 health districts.
The successful containment of the outbreak can be largely attributed to a national campaign launched by Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera in February 2023. Named “Tithetse Kolera” or “Let’s End Cholera,” the campaign aimed to interrupt cholera transmission and reduce the fatality rate from 3.2% to below 1%, aligning with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) criteria for a controlled cholera outbreak.
Dr. Wilfred Chalamira Nkhoma, co-chairperson for the presidential task force on COVID-19 and cholera in Malawi, emphasized that the campaign played a crucial role in ending the outbreak. According to WHO standards, a cholera outbreak is considered over when no laboratory-confirmed cases are reported for at least four weeks. Malawi met this criterion as the last confirmed case was on June 6, 2023.
Several interventions were implemented over the past two years to combat the outbreak:
Education and Awareness: Public education campaigns focused on cholera transmission, prevention, and control.
Increased Surveillance: Enhanced monitoring and reporting mechanisms to quickly identify and manage new cases.
Proper Case Management: Improved treatment protocols for managing cholera cases effectively.
Access to Safe Water and Sanitation: The Ministry of Water and Sanitation, supported by various NGOs, led efforts to increase access to safe drinking water and improve sanitation facilities.
Oral Cholera Vaccination: Beginning in December 2022, Malawi conducted an oral cholera vaccination campaign, administering around 6 million doses, prioritizing high-risk areas.
Since the outbreak began in March 2022, Malawi recorded 56,376 cases of cholera and 1,772 deaths. Despite the successful containment of the outbreak, health experts caution that the risk of resurgence remains if underlying sanitation issues are not addressed.
Maziko Matemba, a national community health ambassador, highlighted ongoing sanitation challenges in villages and public places, emphasizing the need for continued efforts to improve public health practices.
Dr. Nkhoma stated that the government would persist in its efforts to educate the public on cholera transmission, prevention, and control to prevent future outbreaks. The comprehensive approach combining education, vaccination, and improved sanitation will be essential to maintaining the gains achieved in controlling the outbreak.
Malawi’s successful containment of its deadliest cholera outbreak demonstrates the impact of coordinated public health interventions. However, sustained efforts in improving sanitation and ongoing public education are vital to prevent future outbreaks and ensure the health and well-being of all Malawians.
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