UK commits MK0.5 billion for Malawi’s Cholera response

The UK government has committed £500,000 (over MK0.5 billion) towards Malawi’s emergency response to combat their worst cholera outbreak ever recorded.

This brings the total funding from the UK and Germany to K1bn which will be used on priority projects such as improving the management of those affected by providing surge capacity in cholera treatment centers, setting up oral rehydration points, and providing supplies, as well as repairing and testing water sources.

Olympia Wereko-Brobby, Development Director for UK aid said: “The UK is pleased to be able to provide this support so that the Ministry of Health and our UN partners can quickly expand the high-priority interventions that limit the spread and reduce cholera deaths.”

In her words, Minister of Health Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda said the support will help in the fight against the Cholera outbreak.

“This current outbreak is posing an unprecedented threat to the lives of people and to the health system. The support from our longstanding development partners will enable us to achieve the objectives of our integrated Cholera response plan to avoid further loss of life and more disruptions to education and other economic activities,” she said.

In addition to monetary contributions, the UK is also providing technical help including deploying a water and sanitation expert to Lilongwe, sending an Emergency Medical Team to provide clinical assistance and capacity building of medical personnel, plus additional funds through the Start Fund for refugees camps.

The British government has also contributed £246,062 through the humanitarian Start Fund to support cholera work in refugee camps through Welthungerhilfe.

Malawi is currently in the midst of its worst cholera outbreak ever recorded, with over 33,000 cases and 1,000 deaths reported as of 30th January 2023.

The first Cholera case was identified in Machinga district in March last year.