Malawi: Red Cross scales up response to worst cholera outbreak in two decades – African Business

The worst cholera outbreak in Malawi in over two decades is currently underway. There have been more than 29,000 reported cases and nearly 900 deaths. The Malawi Red Cross, in partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and in-country partners—Danish Red Cross-led consortium and Swiss Red Cross—is scaling up its cholera response to assist over two million people.

Since February 2022, the first case of Cholera was recorded. Since then, cases have continued spreading to all 29 affected areas. Cholera now puts more than 10 million people at high risk, including over five million children.

“Malawi Red Cross Society is committed to continue supporting the Government of Malawi in responding to the cholera outbreak and other health emergencies. We are grateful to the IFRC and other Movement partners for continued finance and technical assistance to the MRCS Cholera response plan,” said McBain Kanongodza, Secretary General for the Malawi Red Cross Society.

According to the Malawi Ministry of Health’s cholera update on 22 January 2023, over 29,364 cases and 960 fatalities were reported, leaving the fatality rate at 3.27 per cent, which is considerably higher than the acceptable rate of less than 1 per cent set by WHO.

The Malawi Red Cross Society, (MRCS), provides lifesaving treatment at the local level by administering oral rehydration therapy. Volunteers ensure that water supplies and sanitation facilities are available. They also go door-todoor to raise awareness about how to prevent the disease spreading. It is imperative that people take precautions in order to protect themselves and their families during the rainy season.

“We have been monitoring the developments on the ground since the first cases, and we are deeply concerned that this outbreak has taken a foothold in every corner of Malawi. We must support the combined efforts of the MOH, Malawi Red Cross and the Malawi Red Cross in their response. Partnerships are essential to save lives as the outbreak continues to worsen.” said John Roche, Head of IFRC’s Delegation for Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The IFRC and its members are launching an initiative to launch an Emergency Appeal seeking 5.2 million Swiss francs, which will help the Malawi Red Cross reach a further 1,385,391 people in need of assistance. The Malawi Red Cross and its partners in the IFRC will target 15 districts. Their core objectives are to prevent and control the spread, reduce morbidity, mortality due to cholera, and improve the availability and accessibility of safe water, sanitation facilities, and continue support to communities as well as district health offices.

Distributed by APO Group, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.