Malawi to conduct Covid-19 prevalence survey

Government will conduct a Covid-19 prevalence survey in hotspot districts from October 12 to ascertain extent of the pandemic in the country.

The survey named “Community and Facility Based Covid-19 Surveillance” will be conducted in five selected districts of Blantyre, Lilongwe, Mzimba-north, Karonga and Mangochi by Ministry of Health through Public Health Institute Malawi (PHIM).

Speaking when he briefed Mzimba North District Executive Committee members on the survey, PHIM Chief Laboratory Technologist, Laphiod Chisuwo said the research would establish prevalence of covid-19 across public and health care workers

He said once the results are out they will assist government to respond to the pandemic with informed decision using evidence based information.

” Individuals who will be within the survey’s sample size will benefit as they will be tested for Covid- 19,” Chisuwo said

In her remarks Acting Director of Health and Social Services (DHSS) for Mzimba North, Grace Munthali said the survey will be of benefit in the fight against the pandemic.

The survey will be conducted with funding from Norwegian Aid, Onse project and International Training and Education Center for Health.