Red Cross engages the disabled on cholera fight

Malawi Red Cross Society in collaboration with the Ministry of Health have advised persons with disabilities and their guardians in Chikwawa District to follow cholera preventive measures.

The organisation’s community development facilitator Magdalena Njola said this on Wednesday in Chikwawa during a meeting with  District Disability Forum members from Traditional Authority (T/A) Chapananga’s area.

She said a cholera update report from the district shows that Chikwawa has registered 246 cases with six deaths.

“This situation has prompted us to raise awareness among persons with disabilities as they can easily be infected by the disease,” said Njola.

The area’s health surveillance assistant Steven Tembo advised people to drink water which is treated with chlorine, ensure proper use of toilets and continue with good hygienic practices.

Malawi Council for the Handicapped district rehabilitation technician officer Elizabeth Khumbanyiwa said they welcomed the initiative, saying it will assist persons with disabilities to know how to protect themselves against the disease.

She said the meeting was important as there is information gap on cholera, particularly for persons with disabilities.

“We encourage parents and guardians to put more effort to take care of disabled children and adults during this outbreak,” said Khumbanyiwa.

She asked for help from other partners and non-government organisations to support persons with disabilities from all the 11 T/As in the district.

Malawi Red Cross Society is working police, child protection workers, women, chiefs, social warfare officers, youth clubs and courts, among others, to implement community resilience projects.