The cholera outbreak in Malawi has reached a devastating milestone with over 1,300 fatalities, as reported by Charles Mwansambo, a high-ranking official from the country’s health department. With a staggering 40,284 confirmed cases and an average of over 500 new cases daily, this marks the deadliest cholera outbreak in Malawi’s history, surpassing previous outbreaks in the years 1998-99 and 2001-02, which claimed 860 and 968 lives, respectively.
Although cholera outbreaks in the country usually occur during the rainy season from November to March, the current outbreak, which started in March 2022, has resulted in a much more severe outcome.
“The situation in Malawi regarding the cholera outbreak is highly concerning, being the most severe outbreak recorded thus far,” the World Health Organization stated. The WHO is actively collaborating with the Malawian government to tackle this issue.
The current rise in cholera outbreaks globally has led to a shortage in vaccine supplies, hindering efforts to control the spread of the disease.
This situation is not exclusive to Malawi, as several other African countries including Mozambique, Zambia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Nigeria have reported cholera cases.
South Africa recently confirmed two imported cases from Malawi, with a close contact testing positive. Cholera is primarily spread through contaminated food or water and can quickly lead to severe diarrhea and even death if left untreated.
Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO Regional Director for Africa, emphasized the need to prioritize investment in water, sanitation, and hygiene in order to combat the spread of cholera and other waterborne diseases, following the current outbreak in the region.