Cholera affecting more young people—WHO
The World Health Organisation says since the beginning of the cholera outbreak in March 2022, the age group between 21 and 30 is the most affected.
In an update on Malawi, WHO said of all the cases the country has registered, 17 943 are males, representing 57 percent of the caseload.
According to the update, most deaths have been reported among those aged 60 years and above.
WHO has since declared Malawi’s outbreak the deadliest outbreak in the country ’s history. The organisation fears with ongoing rains, the number could increase further.
Reads part of the update: “The risk is considered to be very high at the national level. The poor water and sanitation capacities in the affected districts, especially in the fishing communities along Lake Malawi, pose risk for the continuous propagation of the cholera outbreak nationally, to neighbouring countries and in the region.”
WHO warns that there is a continued risk for further increase in the number of cases and international spread.
“Confirmed cases have been reported across the border in Mozambique and the risk for cross-border transmission between Malawi and Mozambique remains high during the current outbreak,” the update further reads.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Health Principal Secretary Charles Mwansambo has indicated that there is a budget shortfall of $40 million (about K41 billion) for an effective cholera response in the country.
He said Malawi has so far raised K19 billion out of a budget of K61 billion.
As of yesterday, the country had cumulatively recorded 42 427 cases, with 1 384 cases.
