The number of cholera cases in Malawi has almost trebled over the past three months despite a nationwide vaccination campaign that kicked off in May.
Figures from the Ministry of Health show that cholera incidents have risen from around 380 cases and 17 deaths at the end of May to some 1,073 infections and 44 deaths as of August 16.
According to the ministry, the situation appears to be getting worse, with 10 of the country’s 28 districts having been affected compared to just eight in May.
The district containing the commercial capital Blantyre has been hardest hit – with 489 confirmed cases – followed by Neno district (128 cases) and Nsanje district (289).
Officials blame the outbreak to poor water and sanitation infrastructure and cross-border movement of persons from Mozambique where cholera cases have been reported.
Due to the poor infrastructure, most people fetch water from unprotected sources like rivers and streams.
With support from the World Health Organisation and UNICEF, Malawi launched a cholera vaccination campaign in May under which it is targeting 1.9 million people aged one year and above.
JN/APA