Minister of Health and Sanitation Madalitso Baloyi says Malawi is facing a K5 billion ($3.02 million) deficit in its cholera response budget amid confirmation of 11 new cases. The minister told journalists in Lilongwe yesterday that five cases were recorded in Kasungu, three in Neno and one each in Lilongwe, Chitipa and Balaka districts. Baloyi said suspected cases were also reported in Chikwawa, Mwanza, Mangochi, Rumphi and Karonga, but they tested negative.
The minister has since declared a cholera outbreak in the affected districts, noting that some cases were imported from neighbouring countries, where cholera has also been reported. “The government is working closely with neighbouring countries to ensure that cross-border cases are effectively managed,” she said. Baloyi said several Southern African Development Community (Sadc) countries are reporting cholera cases, with Mwanza and Chikwawa experiencing suspected and confirmed cases on both sides of the border.
She said all confirmed patients were successfully treated and discharged, adding that Malawi is collaborating with neighbouring countries and regional bodies such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention to contain the disease. The ministry’s Cholera Preparedness and Control Plan is pegged at $3.37 million (about K5.8 billion), but government has only raised $356 948 (about K625 million), leaving a funding gap of $3.02 million (about K5 billion). WHO Health Emergencies Preparedness and Response Officer Dr Getrude Chapotera said the organisation remains committed to supporting Malawi to prevent further spread of cholera through cross-border collaboration.
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Health rights activist Maziko Matemba said the onset of the rainy season calls for strengthened disease surveillance and community engagement to prevent further spread of cholera. Between 2022 and 2024, Malawi experienced its worst cholera outbreak, which claimed 1 772 lives out of 59 376 cases across 29 health districts.
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