Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Dan Namarika, has called for relentless efforts in promoting hygiene practices among communities to contain the further spread of the cholera outbreak in the country.
Namalika made the call on Monday during an engagement with health authorities in Kasungu aimed at appreciating the response to the outbreak after the district had recorded cases last week.
He said cholera is a serious yet preventable and treatable disease that can be contained if communities strictly follow preventive measures.
“Cholera is caused by consuming food or drinking water contaminated with disease-causing organisms. So there is need for people to remain vigilant and observe preventive measures in their communities.
“These include drinking safe water, washing hands with soap before eating, before preparing food, after using the toilet and after changing baby diapers, eating safe, warm and well-cooked food, using toilets properly and avoiding open defecation,” Namalika said.
He commended the health authorities in the district for ensuring that the areas where confirmed cases were recorded have not registered new cases, and also for raising awareness on prevention.
On his part, Director of Health Services for Kasungu, Emmanuel Golombe, said the district has strengthened surveillance to detect cases at the earliest possible stage, conducted case investigations in communities, established treatment units, and set up Oral Rehydration Points as part of the response.
“Despite these efforts, we are facing challenges such as shortage of fuel, personal protective equipment, tents and cholera beds, which is frustrating response interventions.
“We therefore need support from the government and other stakeholders to fight the outbreak,” Golombe added.
Traditional Authority Chitanthamapiri, whose Masasa Village has been affected, pledged to work with authorities to raise awareness on prevention, particularly at mining sites where there is a high risk due to congestion and inadequate sanitation facilities.
A total of 11 confirmed cases have been recorded in the country, with five cases in Kasungu, three in Neno, and one case each in Lilongwe, Balaka and Chitipa.
Other districts, including Mwanza, Chikwawa, Mangochi, Ntcheu, Dedza, Rumphi and Karonga, reported suspected cholera cases, but laboratory tests have confirmed them negative.