MCHINJI-(MaraviPost)-In a preventive and preparedness’ bid against looming anthrax and Cholera outbreak Malawi Redcross Society (MRS) has intestfied awareness campaign for extension workers in the departments of Health, animal Health and Wildlife in Mchinji district.
The flontline workers therefore have been challenged to conduct surveillance and educate communities including livestock farmers on the signs, symptoms and preventive measures related to anthrax disease that has hit neighbouring Zambia.
MRS Director of Programs and Development Prisca Chisala says her organisation expects extension workers to be on top of the two outbreak diseases hence series of orientation trainings for frontline workers in the districts that border with Zambia including Mzimba, Kasungu and Mchinji.
Chisala disclosed that MRS will reach the three districts with orientation training for greater impact in the preparedness of anthrax and cholera diseases.
She was speaking on Wednesday, February 7, 2024 in Mchinji during the orientation workshop involving members from the departments of health, animal health and wildlife based in the border district to remain vigilant on the deadly diseases.
“We want extension workers to on alert, vigilant and report any case related to anthrax and Cholera hence series of orientation training,” said Chisala.
Mchinji District Environmental Health Officer Robson Kaira expression gratitude over MRS intervention on the two outbreaks.
Kaira therefore urged participants to always report on time suspected cases of anthrax and cholera for smooth action.
In her remarks, Health Delegate for Danish Red Cross, Nynne Halkjaer says is impressed with the preparedness intervention.
She disclosed that her organisation is also following the situation very closely and are in touch with other development partners to ensure Malawi is supported accordingly in the prevention of cholera and anthrax.
In September last year, Malawi’s Ministry of Health intensified surveillance in health facilities and entry points to detect any suspected cases of Anthrax disease that has already claimed lives in neighboring Zambia.
The intervention came after the disease killed four people in Zambia and infected 335 others in six of its ten provinces after reportedly contracting it through anthrax-contaminated meat.
Secretary for Health in Malawi, Dr. Samson Mndolo revealed continue collaborating with the Zambian government, Africa CDC, and World Health Organisation in monitoring the Anthrax outbreak.
So, far Malawi has not registered or recorded any anthrax related cases since September 2022 in boardering districts with Zambia.
Some of the symptoms of Anthrax including blisters, painless skin sores, fever general body pains, and headache.
Information shows it can be prevented by avoiding eating raw and undercooked meat from sick or dead animals, wearing masks, gloves, and other protective clothing when handling sick or dead animals as well as washing hands with soap and clean water after having contact with animals or animal products.
Anthrax is a zoonotic disease spread by the bacteria Bacillus anthracis that infects animals and humans and is transmitted from infected livestock like cattle, goats, pigs, and others.
