Malga pushes for K1bn cholera budget

Malawi Local Government Association (Malga) has submitted a K982.2 million consolidated essential financial requirements budget to enable Lilongwe and Blantyre city councils effectively fight the cholera outbreak.

In a letter dated Janaury 9 2023 addressed to Ministry of Health Principal Secretary Charles Mwansambo, Malga executive director Hadrod Mkandawire said the budget was made following consultations with Blantyre and Lilongwe city councils as well as Lilongwe District Council to effectively respond to the cholera outbreak in readiness for the opening of schools in the two districts.

He said in an interview yesterday there were fears that the outbreak may reach uncontrollable levels if not well contained and urged government to provide or help to mobilise the necessary resources from development partners.

Mkandawire said Blantyre District Council did not submit its budget for consolidation despite several reminders hence the omission from the budget.

He said: “Meanwhile, we are convening a general assembly for the directors of health and social services this month under their network Malga Health Services Managers Network to discuss solutions and review the progress so far on the fight to contain the outbreak.”

Minister of Health Khumbize Chiponda, who is also Presidential Task Force on Covid-19 and Cholera co-chairperson, asked for more time before commenting on the proposed budget.

According to the consolidated budget, some of the activities lined up include coordination and networking by conducting water and sanitation hygiene (Wash) sub-committee meetings, health care system strengthening such as case management at Chilinde camp in Lilongwe, health education and waste management briefings with block leaders and market vendors.

The budget also includes procurement of cholera medical and non-medical supplies, disinfection in schools, handwashing facilities, maintenance of pit latrines, first aid kit and road shows, among others.

On why Malga has developed a separate budget instead of supplementing a similar response plan by the Presidential Task Force for Covid-19 and Cholera, Mkandawire said the outbreak is now nine months old and budgets have been exhausted, especially with the worsening trends.

Meanwhile, the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19 and Cholera has also appealed to the public and other well-wishers to support the fight against cholera by donating various items that are inadequate in the prevention, control and management of the cases.

In a press release issued last Friday signed by Chiponda, the task force said required items include medical supplies, including ringers lactate, giving nets, cholera beds, tents, examination and heavy duty gloves, gumboots, solar lamps, buckets with taps, aprons and soap.

Others are chlorine, cash and support to schools to improve water and sanitation facilities.

Malawi is experiencing what is believed to be the worst cholera outbreak in 10 years. On January 2, government issued a directive that all schools in Blantyre and Lilongwe should not open for the new term until the cholera situation improves. The two districts have been recording the highest number of infections and deaths.