Ministry of Health Urges Continued Adherence to COVID-19 Preventive Measures as Cases Persist
The Ministry of Health is urging the public to follow COVID-19 preventive measures, including vaccination, despite WHO no longer considering it a global public health emergency, writes Bridget Mwanoka
LILONGWE, Malawi -- The Ministry of Health is urging the public to follow COVID-19 preventive measures, including vaccination, despite WHO no longer considering it a global public health emergency, writes Bridget Mwanoka.
Mabvuto Thomas, Acting Deputy Director for Preventive Health Services and responsible for health education services in the ministry, emphasized that there is still a possibility of new COVID-19 cases emerging.
"Although the pandemic has shown a downward trend and the pressure on health systems has eased, Malawians should not become complacent. The recent weekly COVID-19 update revealed that from the 8th to the 14th of May, the country recorded two new cases. Therefore, let us all remain vigilant and get vaccinated, as we have an adequate supply of vaccines," Thomas stated.
Dingaan Mithi, Programme Manager for the Journalists Association Against AIDS, urged journalists to continue informing the public about the dangers of COVID-19, as the virus still poses a threat to Malawians.
"The media plays a crucial role as an important stakeholder. Their reporting on COVID-19 has been instrumental so far. We encourage them to continue providing comprehensive coverage of the virus," Mithi said.
As of May 14, 2023, Malawi had reported a total of 88,640 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 2,686 deaths.
Two new cases were recorded from May 8th to May 14th, 2023 (epi-Week 19).