Tag Archives: Cholera outbreak in Malawi

Business

PIL donates MK4.5 million items in Cholera fight

Maravi Post Reporter
Pingani (left) handing over medical supplies

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Petroleum Importers Limited (PIL) has joined the fight against cholera outbreak in the country by donating 1500 intravenous drips worth MK4.5 million to Blantyre District Health Office (DHO).

Speaking during the official handover ceremony on Thursday, PIL operations manager, Edmond Pingani said they decided to intervene as part of supporting the government in the fight against the pandemic which has claimed lots of lives in the country since last year.

“The Government is doing all it can to stop the pandemic through mass vaccinations, awareness campaigns and provision of medication and is overwhelmed. We believe as corporates, we have a role to play. We are aware that most hospitals are experiencing a shortage of medication to treat this outbreak resulting in more deaths.”

“The shortage of ORS, proper cholera treatment facilities, clean water and ringer’s lactate, antibiotics and many more drugs have made it very difficult for the hospitals to combat this disease. This donation therefore is also in fulfilment of the commitment the PIL board of directors made to be socially responsive in times of emergencies and when need arises through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program,” said Pingani.

Receiving the donation on behalf of Blantyre DHO, Pharmacy Technician Vuso Tembo commended PIL for the support saying the donation will go a long way in containing the rising cases as the items are one of the basic supplies required when treating cholera patients.

“We are so happy for this donation from PIL because ringer’s lactate is a must-have item when it comes to treatment of cholera cases. So, we cannot do without it. Currently the cases are dropping but then the battle is still on. We believe it is because people are embracing the preventive measures and also interventions by other organizations in raising awareness on the same,” he said.

PIL is a consortium of four petroleum marketing companies namely Vivo of Engen Filling Stations, Puma, Total Energies, and Petroda.

Development

Water Minister Abida Mia dates councils on enhanced Cholera interventions

Maravi Post Reporter

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Ministry of Water and Sanitation has challenged district councils to continue enhancing interventions to control the spread of cholera.

The Minister responsible Abida Mia, was speaking in Dedza during the interface meeting with councils, sector heads, and traditional leaders, on the cholera situation and interventions the district is doing to control the spread of the cholera outbreak.

She said the ministry has gone full throttle with development partners to support initiatives of councils to contain the outbreak.

“We are undertaking several interventions to contain the outbreak such as procurement of chlorine for water purification pot to pot chlorination, repairing non-functional boreholes in all hotspot areas, water quality monitoring and testing in hot spots areas including Dedza district,” said Mia.

Abida Mia at Dedza district council

She added that the ministry has prepared a water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) response plan.

On his part District Commissioner for Dedza, Thomas Chigwenembe, disclosed that they have managed to test 150 boreholes and 20 out of them were found contaminated.

“Out of the 20 contaminated boreholes, 19 have been so far treated to ensure access to safe water in the district,” he said.

As of February 27, 2023 Malawi had 49, 207 Cholera cases with 1,564 deaths.

Development

Castel Malawi donates MK20 million worth items towards Cholera fight

Maravi Post Reporter

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Castel Malawi Limited has re-affirmed its commitment towards the fight against Cholera outbreak by donating items worth MK20 million to the Ministry of Health to support the cause.

Some weeks ago, the company launched an in-house initiative against Cholera where among other things arranged for oral vaccination for the employees, apart from giving them hand sanitizers.

Speaking during the official handover ceremony in Blantyre on Tuesday, Castel Malawi’s human resource and corporate affairs director, Gloria Zimba said the intervention is a response to a call by government to the private sector to help out as numbers of cholera cases and deaths surge.

“We are targeting the worst hit health centres as we work hand in hand with the District Health Offices (DHOs) to donate to 20 health centres which they have identified across the country.

“As Castel Malawi we have our own policy on corporate social responsibility. We have six pillars and one of them is health and safety. So, on the health part, we are not only concerned about the health of our employees, but also our customers and stakeholders.”

“We had to partner with the Government because eventually we will get affected if the cases rise since some of our employees also reside in the communities with everybody. We have so far mounted billboards carrying the same message against Cholera,” she said.

Ministry of Health representative at the event, Blantyre DHO Chief Medical Officer, Dr Mirriam Jere-Nyasulu commended Castel Malawi for the timely donation.

“Castel Malawi has come at the right time when cases are on the rise even in rural areas. The Ministry of Health needs a lot of support and we believe this will go a long way in reducing the pressure on resources, especially for health centres in rural areas,” she said.

Some of the donated items include chlorine, ORS, drip stands, garden boots, sanitizer, and disposable syringes.

Health, Malawi

Be warned! COVID-19 still with us alongside Cholera

Maravi Post Reporter


By Phillip Pasula

MZUZU-(MaraviPost)-The cholera outbreak amongst us Malawians seems to overshadow the COVID-19 pandemic which was recorded in April, 2020.
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As of 4th February, 2023, Malawi had registered 1,226 deaths with 1,090 patients admitted in treatment units. Cumulatively, 37,479 cases of cholera have been recorded since March last year.

The cholera outbreak caused a delay in the opening of the second term in the country’s primary and secondary schools in the cities of Lilongwe and Blantyre.

The term opened on January 3. The schools in the two cities had to wait until all measures were put in place to break the transmission cycle; the easy spread of the disease due to unhygienic conditions.

The schools were told to open after two weeks from when the rest opened. The good news now is that coordination between teachers and parents has led to a successful fight against cholera. This is according to Blantyre Urban Education Office.

Blantyre Urban District Education Manager, Anita Kaliwu, disclosed this at Chitsime Primary School in Ndirande where Precious Medical International donated over 1,000 bottles of chlorine in support of the fight.

Health worker

“We disinfected the classrooms, made sure that toilets are clean, washing facilities are available in addition to a special sensitisation campaign on cholera vaccine emphasising that prevention better than cure,” remarked Kaliwu.

Chief Executive Officer for Precious Medical International, Dr Gertrude Mateyu, said her medical insurance company felt obliged to support Chitsime Primary School in the fight against the cholera outbreak.

“We discovered that there was an area where we could play a part which was provision of chlorine to affected households. We felt that intervention at household level was crucial in the fight against this cholera outbreak,” said Dr Mateyu.

But as the country continues to grapple with the cholera outbreak, it is very vital that we should constantly remind each other that COVID-19 is still with us.

It is disappointing to note that some people are still resisting getting the vaccine for COVID-19. There are a lot of misconceptions surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine.

It should be clearly stated here that the government of Malawi cannot allow its citizens to be harmed by vaccines in the country. The Pharmacy Medicines Regulatory Authority (PMRA) established by the Act of Parliament which is responsible for product registration, inspection and quality control of all drugs and medicines including vaccines makes sure that Malawian citizens are subjected to vaccines that will save their lives other than destroying them.

Therefore, it is very wrong to think that vaccines received when one is old are aimed at decreasing the Malawi population by making people sterile or by ensuring that they die after some years.

Medical expert Monalisa Tembo observes that some citizens questioned the short period of time in which COVID-19 vaccines were developed and got ready for administration on human beings. She says people should not forget that the world is technologically advancing.

“The speed in COVID-19 vaccine development is a result of advances in genetic makeup deciphering due to modern technology, past research, the spread of the disease and public attention to science. People should therefore not panic at all when they think about the COVID-19 vaccine,” emphasises Tembo.

All stakeholders should therefore vigilantly do their part to make sure every citizen understands the importance of getting both the COVID-19 vaccine and the Cholera vaccine in addition to other vaccines that the Ministry of Health administers in the country.

Development

Nutricon limited donates Cholera medical suppliers to Lilongwe’s chief Chimangansasa community

Maravi Post Reporter

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Nutricom Limited on Monday, January 30, 2023 donated Cholera medical suppliers to Lilongwe’s senior group Chimangansasa.

The donation is one ay of complementing government’s efforts to contain the spread of cholera in Malawi.

The donated items including 10 Jars of chlorine, soap and among others.

The company has also erected a pipe from their factory to provide purified water to the whole village, which is just 20 kilometers from Lilongwe town but has no piped water.

Nutricom Limited donates Cholera medical supplies

Speaking after making donation, Nutricon limited representative Charles Kululanga said the company is committed to making the village cholera-free by ensuring everyone is living in a safe place and not drinking contaminated water.

Senior group Chimangansasa said the donation is a big relief to over 140 households and he thanked the company for the intervention saying it will give them access to clean and safe water.

Cholera still claiming lives since March 2022.

Health, Malawi

CDEDI dares Chakwera’s Tonse Alliance Govt on Cholera funding

Maravi Post Reporter

…….Donates Cholera preventive equipment to Mchitanjiru Primary School

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has challenged the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 and Cholera to account for the donations it has received so far from individuals and the private sector weeks after calling for help.

According to CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa, regular updates will not only enhance transparency and accountability in the funds and medical supplies received so far, but also motivate more to join the fight against cholera which has now claimed over 1,000 lives.

CDEDI donates Cholera preventive materials to Mtchitanjiru Primary School

He made the remarks at Mchitanjiru Primary School on Friday, in the area of Traditional Authority (T/A) Tsamba in Lilongwe, where CDEDI donated various items for Cholera prevention.

While reiterating CDEDI’S position that the figures speak for themselves as to how miserable the Tonse Alliance Government has failed to contain the epidemic, Namiwa observed that President Lazarus Chakwera is failing to account for the MK6. 2 Billion and MK17.5 Billion Covid-19 funds, a development he noted was holding back the President from declaring cholera a national disaster.

“Had government prudently handled the Covid-19 funds, or at least had President Chakwera decisively acted on the MK6. 2 Billion audit report and also called for another audit on the MK17.5 Billion, he couldn’t have developed cold feet to declare Cholera a national disaster, “Namiwa said.

He added that his organization will not relent until the supplies for the cholera medicines and medical supplies improve and lives are saved.

He further proposed that the Taskforce should publish a detailed report on the donations received and how they are being utilized.

Namiwa has nonetheless called upon Malawians to become their own brothers’ keepers since it is very clear government has no clue on how to contain the Cholera outbreak.

“It is for this reason that we have adopted Mchitanjiru Primary Shool for the next 3 months, and we will be providing basic needs in the fight against cholera the likes of chlorine, disinfectants, tap buckets, tablet soap and stands for the bucket. Apart from enhancing hygiene and sanitation at the school, we will also help learners to go out as ambassadors in the prevention of not only cholera but also many other diseases associated with sanitation and hygiene,” he said.

Apart from the the cholera prevention drive, CDEDI also donated 500 mahogany tree seedlings, and planted some at the school.

“We ought to understand that we are leaving in this country on behalf of our children and their children, therefore we need to teach the young ones to not only plant trees but also look after them,” he said.

As of January 26, 2023, Malawi had 31, 832 Cholera cases with 1,045 deaths.

Health, Malawi

Light House Trust donates Cholera medical supplies to Lilongwe DHO

Maravi Post Reporter

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Light House Trust on Thursday, January 27, 2023 donated medical supplies to Lilongwe District Office (DHO) worthy MK17 million towards Cholera outbreak management.

The donated items including ringers lactate, Iv giving sets, syringes, cannula, chlorine, ORS, gloves and among others.

The medical support comes amid increase of Cholera cases in the district that as of January 25, Lilongwe DHO had 3973 and 252 cases and deaths respectively.

Receiving the donation, Lilongwe DHO’s Public Relations Officer (PRO) Richard Mvula lauded the Trust for the timely support towards managing Cholera outbreak.

LILONGWE DHO Cholera camp

Mvula disclosed that religious mists, short supply of medical equipment, late report are contributing to the disease cases rise.

“Most patients are coming already dead while others are using non-prescribed medicine and concoction when noting sign of Cholera which is not right.

“Apart from donated medical supplies, DHO has gone flat-out with vigorous sensetization campaign on Cholera outbreak for prevention,” says Mvula.

Light House Trust Executive Director Safari Mbewe assured the general public that his organization will continue supporting health facilities to contain the outbreak.

Donated items

Mbewe observes that Cholera outbreak is manageable if the general public adhere to prevention measures.

“Light House Trust decided to donate medical supplies in responding to presidential call towards managing Cholera outbreak. We are also to support other health facilities and prison with the same equipment for the disease management,” assures Mbewe.

Health, Malawi

Malawi runs out of Cholera Vaccines

Maravi Post Reporter

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-At the peak of the prolonged cholera epidemic, the ministry of health has disclosed that it has run out of cholera vaccines, and left with no option, but to ask Malawians to adhere to strict preventive measures.

The ministry’ spokesperson, Adrian Chikumbe, says government is currently engaging the World Health Organization (WHO) for more support.

He however said there is no immediate indication that the vaccines will come in anytime soon.

“Yes, I can confirm that we have depleted all the cholera vaccine doses that we had. We are now in talks with WHO for another consignment.

“But looking at the fact that there is only one manufacturer of the vaccine globally, and that we are competing for the same, there is no guarantee that we may get another consignment in a few days,” said Chikumbe.

Cholera outbreak hit Malawi as Vaccines not available

According to Chikumbe, the country received 2.9 million doses.

As of January 18, 2023, Malawi had 26,888 Cholera cases with 881 deaths.

Health, Malawi

Amref Malawi donates MK40 million medical supplies towards cholera

Dorica Mtenje

By Dorica Mtenje

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-To step up cholera outbreak response Amref Health Africa in Malawi has donated cholera kits and medical supplies worth US$40,000 (MK40 million) to the Ministry of Health .

Country Manager for Amref Malawi, Hester Nyasulu made the official handover of the supplies at Lilongwe District Health Office on Thursday.

She said So far, Amref has donated supplies of over US$400,000 towards cholera response in Malawi since September 2022 with support from various donors.

” The medical supplies we are handing over today is in response to the call that the government of Malawi through the Ministry of Health has made requesting individuals, institutions and donors to provide more resources to ensure that the current cholera outbreak is contained in the country.’‘

She said people may wish to know that as Amref they have already made some donations towards the same cholera fight in September last year but because the situation has escalated that’s why we have identified additional resources to support management of the outbreak.

She said they are thankful to the Bread for the World of Germany through Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) project for providing the funding that has enabled us to purchase these medical supplies which we believe will help to saving lives.’

Hester Nyasulu and Liwewe

Commenting on the donation, Acting Director of Health and Social Services for Lilongwe, Dr. Thokozani Liwewe said the support from Amref will go a long way in containing and managing the disease in the district.

“We are grateful to Amref for this timely support. As a district we have a huge need for such medical supplies which are very essential and critical in managing the outbreak,” said Liwewe.

She said since the country registered the first case of cholera in May last year it hasn’t been easy.

She adds that they have seen exponential rise in the number of cases which means the need for resources is so huge and they believe that the support from Amref will go a long way to save lives

“The donated cholera supplies comprise medical supplies such as Chlorine for household water treatment, gloves, hand sanitizers, cotton wool, 20L buckets, intravenous fluids (ringers lactate), giving sets, Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS), and cannula needles and the supplies have been distributed to Lilongwe, Mangochi, Machinga, Zomba, Blantyre and Chikwawa districts,”said Liwewe.

She said Malawi is facing upsurge in cholera cases in all the 29 districts of the country affected.

Meanwhile the Ministry of Health has made fresh calls for more support towards the response as the country is running low on supplies.

The donation has been made possible with financial support from Bread for the World of Germany.

Business

Castel Malawi in cholera sensitization drive

Lloyd M’bwana

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-As cholera cases keep rising in the country, Castel Malawi has taken up an initiative to sensitize its workers on prevention and the need to be vaccinated.

The company has partnered with the Ministry of Health through District Health Offices (DHOs) who visited their premises in Liwonde, Lilongwe, Mzuzu and Blantyre for such exercises.

Speaking after a session at its headquarters in Blantyre, Castel Malawi’s Human Resources and Corporate Affairs Director, Gloria Zimba said they joined the government’s efforts to fight the disease because they value the lives of their employees, their families, and the customers.

Members of staff sanitising their hands before getting the vaccine- photo by Gazette Media

“As part of the Castel Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives Health and Safety is one of the 6 pillars and caring for our employees’ health is paramount. We believe that Castel Malawi is a very critical part of the population of Malawi since we carter our products across the whole country. Blantyre city is one the hotspots of cholera and we know that most of our employees come from some of the locations that have been hardest hit in the city.”

“So, we felt that we should take up the initiative of sensitizing our employees as well as encouraging taking of the OCV.  We took up this initiative following the call from the Malawi Government that they want the private sector to partner with them in the combat against cholera,” said Zimba.

“Although these are our employees, they also belong to the society, so we believe that those employees who have taken their oral vaccine will go home and will encourage their family members to visit the clinics for their own vaccines, because they are also vulnerable,” added Zimba.

Zimba also disclosed that the company is in talks with some selected town and city councils to extend cholera prevention item donations to a few main markets to ensure hygiene in the markets which are usually congested and have dry taps, which creates a breeding ground for the disease.

“Some donations will be done for some selected health centers in liaison with the DHO’s as well. As a corporate citizen, we believe we need to give back to society. This time around, Castel Malawi wants to be a friend indeed.”

“We have also distributed hand sanitizers to our employees to ensure they are always safe. We have also intensified cleanliness within our working environment by providing chlorine to our cleaners and trained them on proper usage as they are frequently disinfecting all places that are always in contact with people,” said Zimba.

One of the employees who accessed the oral vaccine, Joel Phiri commended the company for the initiative.

“The gesture shows that the company cares for our health,” he said.

Director of Health and Social Services at Blantyre DHO, Dr Gift Kawalazira also hailed Castel Malawi in an interview saying the gesture compliments their outreach calls for the cholera vaccine.

“It’s not always possible to reach out to all individuals in their homes because of several economic activities. Some people leave their homes earlier and return late and do not have time to visit the clinics. We are therefore grateful to Castel Malawi for the gesture as they helped us to reach out to some of the people in the Blantyre population of 800, 000 whom we are targeting with the vaccine. We appeal to other companies to emulate the gesture,” he said.