The World Health Organisation (WHO) has expressed satisfaction with Malawi’s preparedness to prevent the Ebola public health threat.
WHO country representative Dr Charles Njuguna expressed the sentiments yesterday when he accompanied Minister of Health and Sanitation Madalitso Baloyi on an inspection tour of screening for Ebola at Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe.
He said: “Malawi is moving quite fast in ensuring that the country is ready in case of any suspected Ebola case.”
Njuguna described airport screening as the country’s most critical line of defence because Malawi does not share borders with countries affected by the Ebola outbreak.
He said that health workers have been trained to identify possible Ebola cases through symptom screening and travel history assessments, while isolation facilities have been established in major hospitals across the country.
Njuguna also announced that Malawi now has the capacity to test and confirm Ebola cases domestically after receiving laboratory support from WHO.
“Previously, samples had to be sent to South Africa. That capacity is now available in Malawi,” he said.
Meanwhile, WHO has also supplied Ebola-specific personal protective equipment and medical kits to Malawi government worth $73 000 to strengthen the country’s response capability in the event of an outbreak.
According to Baloyi, Malawi has intensified surveillance and screening measures at points of entry to prevent the importation of the disease.
She said: “We are strengthening surveillance, ensuring dedicated and properly trained staff is in place, and making sure all suspected cases are appropriately quarantined. So far, I’m happy to report that there haven’t been any Ebola cases in Malawi, and we also haven’t had any suspected cases.”
Malawi is also collaborating with neighbouring countries to improve screening and monitoring at border posts.
Airport Development Limited chief executive officer Zione Themba said the airport has established systems designed to minimise contact between travellers and airport staff before health checks are completed.
She, however, acknowledged challenges in managing aircraft waste, which could pose public health risks if improperly handled.
“We collect waste from aircraft and transport it to designated disposal sites, but there are individuals who scavenge from the waste during transit. To address this, we have altered waste transportation routes and we have intensified awareness campaigns among workers and surrounding communities,” said Themba.
More coverage on enhanced Ebola screening on Page 6
