Minister of Health and Sanitation, Madalitso Baloyi, has officially declared a cholera outbreak following continued reports of cases across Malawi.
Speaking during a media briefing, Baloyi announced that the Ministry of Health has confirmed 11 locally transmitted cholera cases from several districts.
Of these, five cases were recorded in Kasungu District, three in Neno while Lilongwe, Balaka, and Chitipa districts each reported one case.
The Minister said that affected patients have been admitted and isolated, while others are receiving outpatient-care and remain in self-isolation.
Baloyi said that no deaths have been recorded so far and stated that emergency response measures were activated immediately after the first suspected cases were detected.
However she appealed for support from partners to fully implement cholera preparedness and control plan.
The Minister said the ministry requires over 3 million kwacha to address existing gaps but acknowledged Africa Centre for Disease Control for its support in risk communication and community engagement, World Health Organization and UNICEF for providing technical assistance in cholera response.
Acting United Nations Resident Coordinator, Dr. David Chimpanta, said declaring a cholera outbreak is not a sign of weakness but an act of responsible leadership.
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