MPOX cases in Lilongwe continue to rise, with 111 cases out of 138 cases recorded in the country.
Health officials have described the situation as worrisome and requiring urgent attention.
According to Chisomo Kankhwali from the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response unit at the Lilongwe District Health Office (DHO), Mpox trends have shifted from the elderly, affecting more school-going children aged between nine to 15 years.
“We have registered 111 cases so far — 61 males and 50 females. Out of these, 90 have recovered, 16 are still being monitored and one death has been recorded,” he said.
Lilongwe DHO spokesperson Richard Mvula expressed concern about the limited supply of vaccines compared to the country’s population.
“We received about 27 000 doses of Mpox vaccine for a population of over 3 million. This is a targeted campaign which needs urgent action. We might be sitting on a looming disaster too risky for our nation.
“We are currently prioritising female sex workers, healthcare workers, close contacts of confirmed cases and men who have sex with men,” he explained.
Although the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that Mpox as no longer a global health emergency, the situation remains concerning in many African countries, including Malawi.
To declare an end to the outbreak, no new cases must be reported for 42 consecutive days.
Bwaila Hospital clinical officer Rapson Chidothi said they trained staff to manage Mpox patients effectively.
“We conduct screening and physical examinations to identify symptoms. If the patient tests positive, we prescribe treatment based on the severity and admit severe cases to isolation wards,” he said.
Chidothi added that patient education is also key part to the management process.
Bwaila Hospital continues to record higher numbers of cases, including patients coming from nearby areas such as Area 25.
One major concern is the potential spread of the disease in schools such as Chipala Primary School in Area 25, which has over 10 000 learners.
District environmental health officer Paul Chunga emphasized the importance of collaboration among stakeholders.
“There is a need for joint efforts to raise awareness about the disease.
“Stakeholders must help spread accurate information so that communities understand Mpox and how to prevent it,” he said.
Lilongwe Rural West school health and nutrition Veronica Baduya said they are aware of the growing threat of Mpox in schools and has already put in place measures to help contain its spread.
“We understand that congestion in schools makes us vulnerable, but we are doing enough to manage the situation,” she said.
Institute for Health and Development Communication’s Samuel Sibuni said they are supporting the Ministry of Health in the ongoing vaccination campaign.
“We are providing vaccinations in targeted drop-in centres located in Areas 23, 25, 36 and 47 in Lilongwe. Our focus is on preventive measures, health education and awareness on prevention and early signs of infection, especially among sex workers,” he explained.
Lilongwe district received close to 27 000 doses in the first consignment of Mpox vaccines which it began administering on October 14 2025.
The exercise is expected to run for 10 days, though it may be extended into November depending on the number of people vaccinated.
