Cholera outbreak forces suspension opening of Schools in two cities

The increase in the number of new cases of Cholera outbreak has forced the Presidential taskforce on Corona Virus and Cholera to suspend the opening of primary and secondary school in Lilongwe and Blantyre.

Malawi has so far recorded a cumulative confirmed cases of 17, 824 which 366 cases have been recorded in the past 24 hours with 29 deaths.

According to the Republic of Malawi, Ministry of Health Cholera update on January 1, Blantyre and Lilongwe are the two Districts to gave high cases of the outbreak as they recorded 97 and 96 respectively hence forcing the taskforce to suspend the opening of Schools which was scheduled for 3rd January, 2023.

“The Presidential Taskforce on Coronavirus and Cholera would like to inform the general Public, that due to the recent and continuing increase in the number of Cholera cases and deaths in the Cities of Blantyre and Lilongwe, opening of next school term for primary and secondary schools in the two cities will not start on 3rd January 2023 as earlier advised, but will be delayed for no less than two weeks, and until further advice,” reads part of the press statement released by the Ministry of Health signed by Honourable Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda who happens to be the Co-Chairperson of the taskforce.

Meanwhile, the Taskforce said the two respective City and District Councils, working with the Ministries of Health, Education and Water and Sanitation, should intensify initiatives to scale up coverage with safe water, adequate food hygiene, adequate sanitation and Cholera vaccination in all
hot spot areas, including among school age populations.

“For all other learners in all health districts, the respective authorities should enhance compliance with recommended cholera control measures, including cholera vaccination for those that have not yet been vaccinated.

“The Taskforce will continue to monitor the trends of cases and deaths in the two cities, and across the country, and advise accordingly on the way forward from time to time,” adds the statement.