UNICEF Delivers Critical Supplies to Support Cholera Outbreak Response in Malawi

The supplies, which were received from the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), were transported via a special charter flight.

The UNICEF cholera supplies

Malawi: UNICEF has delivered essential supplies worth MK300 million to support the ongoing cholera outbreak response in Malawi.

The supplies, which were received from the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), were transported via a special charter flight.

They include Acute Watery Diarrhoea (AWD) kits for health facilities and communities, high-performance tents, compound sodium lactate, doxycycline, paracetamol, and cannulas, among others.

"We will continue to support the Ministry of Health to scale up the cholera response. We appreciate the tireless efforts from frontline health and community workers to manage the influx of cholera cases. With 6,269 children already affected and 104 deaths, the spread of this outbreak is a threat to the health and well-being of children," said UNICEF Malawi’s Country Representative, Rudolf Schwenk.

The supplies arrive at a crucial time, following an appeal from the Office of the President and Cabinet for support in combating the cholera outbreak.

"The Minister of Health, Khumbize Kandodo, also a co-chairperson of the Presidential Taskforce on Coronavirus, mentioned in the appeal that the sought support was meant to cover gaps experienced in the prevention, control, and management of cholera cases across Malawi," the statement read.

UNICEF has been working closely with the WHO and other partners to support the Ministry of Health with oral cholera vaccines, setting up cholera camps, providing hygiene and sanitation kits at the health facility and community level, medical supplies, and providing safe and clean water.