Malawi receives 2.9 million doses of cholera vaccines

Malawi has received 2.9 million doses of oral cholera vaccines to support cholera outbreak response

This is a second consignment following the first in March this year and it comes at a time that almost all districts have recorded a cholera case.

In a press statement minister of health Khumbidze Kandodo Chiponda said administration of the vaccine which will be done in the next few weeks is among the country’s strategies to strengthen the ongoing cholera response and preparedness in Malawi.

Chiponda however said the campaign will prioritize 2.9 million Malawians aged above one year living in highly affected districts.

She said the vaccine will be sent to 14 districts namely; Karonga, Rumphi, Mzimba, Blantyre, Zomba, Nkhota kota, Salima and Likoma among others.

“Government will still prioritize provision of safe water and sanitation and positive hygiene behavior practices which are critical to preventing and control of cholera transmission,” Chiponda

As of November 6 the country had registered 6, 868 cases and 203 deaths.

The vaccine has been provided by GAVI through World Health Organization.

Commenting in an interview with radio Islam associate professor in environmental health at Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences Save Kumwenda said the donation is good because the country needs the vaccine to contain the outbreak.

He also said the cholera vaccine is not hundred percent hence the advice to Malawians to also follow preventive measures.