Government Commends UNICEF and WHO for Efforts in Containing Cholera Outbreaks
Malawi government thanks UNICEF and WHO for containing cholera outbreaks, writes Cornelius Lupenga.
CHIKWAWA & NSANJE, Malawi — The government of Malawi has expressed its appreciation for the tireless efforts of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) in containing recent cholera outbreaks in the country, writes Cornelius Lupenga.
The Water and Sanitation Minister, Abida Sidik Mia, made the commendation during a joint familiarisation visit to the Chikwawa and Nsanje districts in the Shire Valley, where interventions to curb the spread of cholera have been implemented.
Minister Mia praised both organisations for their commendable work in raising awareness about the dangers of the disease among rural communities.
She emphasised the government's commitment to prioritising water and sanitation initiatives, aiming to achieve comprehensive coverage by 2030.
"Currently, Chikwawa and Nsanje districts have a coverage rate of 67%, but we are determined to ensure effective water and sanitation hygiene (WASH) coverage in these areas," stated Minister Mia.
However, the minister expressed concern over the inadequate water and sanitation facilities in the Mtowe market, where there is a lack of toilets despite the presence of a borehole.
She pledged to address this issue by sinking twenty additional boreholes and providing extra toilets for the market, ensuring improved access to clean water and sanitation services for the surrounding communities.
Deputy Minister of Health, Halima Daudi, accompanied Minister Mia on the visit to assess the cholera situation in hospitals, markets, and communities within the Shire Valley districts.
She noted that while there are still a few cases of the disease in Chikwawa, the Ministry of Health is dissatisfied with the cholera outbreaks occurring in the two districts.
"The Ministry is deeply concerned about the cholera outbreaks in these areas," Deputy Minister Daudi expressed.
She further urged health personnel to conduct extensive sensitization campaigns to effectively contain the disease and prevent its further spread.