Blantyre vaccinates 1.3m against cholera

Blantyre District Environmental Officer Penjani Chunda says about 1.3 million people have been vaccinated against cholera during a five-day cholera vaccination campaign in the district.

He said this on Thursday during a press briefing organised by Blantyre District Health Office.

Chunda expressed disappointment that cases of cholera continue to rise, particularly among active age brackets of 20-29 and 0-9.

So far, Blantyre has registered 124 cases of cholera and nine deaths.

“Cholera cases continue to rise; hence, the cholera vaccination campaign targeting all age groups, including expectant women and cholera patients.

“Apart from vaccination, we have outlined a number of interventions such as health education, contact tracing and testing water for coli in all areas suspected to have cholera,” said Chunda.

Chunda commended traditional leaders for support the cholera vaccination campaign.

The Ministry of Health launched the campaign in Blantyre, Chikwawa, Nsanje, Mulanje, Machinga, Phalombe, Balaka and Mangochi districts.

Speaking during the launch, Blantyre District director of health and social services Gift Kawalazira said vaccination was one of the ways of fighting cholera spread.

However, he said the most effective way to contain the spread of the disease is to adhere to hygienic practices such as washing hands and using clean water.

Spot-checks in the eight districts showed that many people turned out to receive the vaccine.

Nsanje district director of health and social services Gilbert Chapweteka said they were expecting to vaccine about 280 000.

In an interview, World Health Organisation Malawi health emergencies and preparedness and response officer Gertrude Chapotera said the organisation mobilised 3.9 million cholera vaccine doses and $1.2 million (about K969 million) for the campaign.