Malawi Launches New Plan to Combat Cholera After Historic Outbreak
The recent outbreak infected 59,376 people, marking the worst cholera crisis since the disease first appeared in Malawi in 1973.
LILONGWE, Malawi— The Malawian government launched a comprehensive cholera control strategy Thursday, following the country's deadliest outbreak that killed 1,772 people between 2022 and 2024, writes Meclina Chirwa.
Health Minister Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda announced the implementation of the Malawi Multi-Sectoral Cholera Control Vaccine Campaign (MMCCP) and Oral Cholera Vaccine Campaign during a ceremony in Lilongwe.
"Cholera remains a communicable disease of public concern, not only in Malawi but in our neighbouring countries and globally," Chiponda said, emphasising the plan's urgency.
The recent outbreak infected 59,376 people, marking the worst cholera crisis since the disease first appeared in Malawi in 1973.
The government has formally committed to the Global Task Force on Cholera Control to eliminate the disease.
Dr. Wilfred Chalamira Nkhoma, co-chair of the Presidential Taskforce on Public Health Emergencies, said his team will oversee technical and financial accountability for the program.
UNICEF Country Representative Dr. Shadrek Omol pledged United Nations support for the initiative.
"Today's launch is a testament to what we can achieve when government leadership, partners, and communities come together with a shared vision," Omol said.
According to Dr. Joseph Seriki, the focal person for the Global Task Force on Cholera Control, the Malawi Red Cross Society has been instrumental in developing the national plan.