Red Cross in cholera prevention

Malawi Red Cross Society has urged communities in Bangwe Township, Blantyre to follow hygiene practices to contain the further spread of cholera outbreak.

Speaking on Friday during a sensitisation meeting in the township, Malawi Red Cross Society Blantyre district coordinator Blessings Mlowoka said they wanted to discuss why cases continue to rise in the township.

“When we hear about cholera, we associate it with the rainy season, but that is not the case this year when the outbreak started spreading during the dry season. Therefore, we want to discuss the root causes of the problem,” he said.

Mlowoka also encouraged people to receive cholera vaccines.

“It is sad that others claim that the vaccine will make women infertile and men impotent. Others associate the vaccine with Satanism,” he said.

Blantyre District Health Office (DHO) promotion officer Chrissy Banda described Bangwe as a cholera hotspot as it continues to register more cases compared with other townships due to poor hygiene and sanitation.

She said: “People do not use treated water due to myths and misconceptions despite health workers distributing chlorine.

“Poor hygiene and sanitation is another factor responsible for the rising cases as people dispose of baby diapers anywhere.”

Village head William proposed to formulate by-laws to enforce preventive measures among residents.

As of Saturday, Blantyre district had cummulatively registered 820 confirmed cholera cases with 29 deaths.