By Horace Tebulo
DEDZA-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) has described continued joint working efforts between stakeholders and community structures in Dedza district as key in addressing challenges that communities faced due to the cholera pandemic that hit some parts of the country.
MRCS Cholera Emergency Response project officer for Dedza district James Kachidiku said this on the sidelines of a four-day refresher orientation with its volunteers.
Kachidiku among others said the training was to prepare the volunteers should the country experience a resurgence of the cholera pandemic.
He added that community structures in the district have been vibrant in clearing myths and misconceptions surrounding vaccines.
“We appreciate that the custodians of culture are village leaders, we therefore deliberately targeted them to be on the forefront to understand the need to practice preventive measures. They are the ones that helped us to clear the myths and misconceptions,” said Kachidiku.
One of the volunteers Mercy Longwe described the orientation as timely, adding that it will enhance their ability to assist their respective communities with ways to
She added that the training is a catalyst for knowledge sharing, pledging to intensify awareness with community members on prevention measures for cholera and other related pandemics.
On the other hand, MRCS Council Member for Dedza Division Sothine Chande appealed for concerted efforts between the volunteers and health care workers in reaching out to the communities with preventive measures.
We expect that the volunteers will continue working with the health care workers in their respective areas in disseminating information on cholera prevention and ensure that the district does not record any related cases,” said Chande.
He however asked community members in the district to continue adhering to health standards in an effort to prevent themselves from the pandemic.
The orientation which saw representatives from Dedza District Health Office (DHO), drew volunteers from all the eight Traditional Authorities of the district.
