1,000 Cholera Deaths Prompt Water Aid to Call for Urgent WASH Investment in Malawi
There have been 1,045 cholera-related deaths to date, and 1,160 people are currently undergoing treatment.
Malawi: In order to control the country's ongoing cholera outbreak, Water Aid Malawi is urging urgent investment in water, sanitation, and hygiene, writes Meclina Chirwa.
590 new cases and 22 fatalities were reported nationwide just on Thursday.
There have been 1,045 cholera-related deaths to date, and 1,160 people are currently undergoing treatment.
"Water, sanitation, and hygiene are the key components that could contain the Cholera outbreak," said Peter Phiri, Head of Programs at Water Aid Malawi. The organization recently donated $28,000 worth of supplies to the Christian Health Association of Malawi and ADRA.
Phiri added that the group also helps schools in peri-urban areas that are having trouble paying their water bills.
He said that if they lack access to water, efforts to contain the disease have already failed.
The donation came at a critical time for CHAM, according to Elled Mwenyekonde, Director of Health Programs, when the organisation was struggling to meet the demands in its hospitals.
"Our facilities are not able to deal with the challenges. This will guide us to respond to the outbreak in a better and effective way. Mostly we lack resources and space in other facilities, so the donation will address some of these challenges," she said.
By strengthening the abilities of sector stakeholders, conducting and disseminating significant research, and influencing governmental policy and institutions, Water Aid Malawi seeks to encourage good hygiene behaviour.
In order to improve health and livelihoods, its programmes prioritise interventions that prioritise sanitation and hygiene at all levels and across all sectors.