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Malawi Battles Dual Outbreaks: Cholera Surge and Polio Case Emerge

Health authorities in Malawi are alarmed by a growing cholera outbreak that has caused at least three deaths and over 50 cases since October, with the commercial city of Blantyre being the epicenter. Minister Madalitso Baloyi also confirmed the detection of a poliovirus type 2 case in an unvaccinated 7-year-old boy in Blantyre. Officials attribute the outbreaks to poor sanitation and are collaborating with WHO and UNICEF on vaccination and hygiene campaigns. The government faces a significant funding shortfall, having secured only a fraction of the $3.37 million needed for its cholera control plan.

Key Points: Cholera and Polio Outbreaks in Malawi Raise Health Alarms

  • Cholera outbreak with deaths and 50+ cases
  • Poliovirus type 2 detected in unvaccinated child
  • Poor sanitation cited as primary cause
  • Government seeks $3M+ for control plan
  • Cross-border collaboration intensified
2 min read

Cholera, polio outbreaks in Malawi worry health authorities

Malawi health authorities report cholera deaths and a polio case in Blantyre, citing poor sanitation and a funding gap for containment efforts.

"Blantyre has the highest prevalence of the cholera outbreak - Madalitso Baloyi"

Blantyre, Jan 29

Health authorities have expressed concern over the growing prevalence of cholera in Malawi, with at least three deaths and more than 50 confirmed cases recorded since October 2025.

Minister of Health and Sanitation Madalitso Baloyi voiced concern on Wednesday during a sensitisation meeting with the authorities of the commercial city of Blantyre, which is leading in the number of cases, Xinhua News Agency reported.

According to the minister, Blantyre has the highest prevalence of the cholera outbreak, with two deaths and 30 cases recorded in the city alone.

She also confirmed the recent detection of one case of poliovirus type 2 in Blantyre, noting that the samples were sent to South Africa for laboratory tests, where they turned out positive.

Director of Health and Social Services for Blantyre Gift Kawalazira attributed the outbreaks to poor sanitation, among other factors.

According to Kawalazira, the poliovirus was detected in a 7-year-old boy in Blantyre who had never been vaccinated since birth due to his parents' beliefs.

Malawian government officials are working with the World Health Organization, the United Nations Children's Fund and other organisations to contain the outbreaks through vaccinations and public awareness campaigns on hygiene.

In December last year, the Malawian government appealed for financial support of over 3 million US dollars for the implementation of the country's cholera control plan.

At a press briefing held in Lilongwe, the country's capital, Malawi's Minister of Health Madalitso Baloyi said the country has registered 11 confirmed cholera cases in five districts, including Lilongwe.

According to a statement from the ministry, the budget for the Cholera Preparedness and Control Plan is pegged at 3.37 million US dollars, but the government of Malawi has only managed to source nearly 357,000 US dollars, leaving a deficit of over 3 million US dollars.

Meanwhile, the government of Malawi has intensified cross-border collaboration and joint cross-border investigation of suspected cases in two border districts of Mwanza and Moatize in Mozambique, it said.

Furthermore, the country's National Public Health Emergency Operations Center has been activated, and a national incident management team has been put in place to coordinate the response.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The polio case due to parents refusing vaccination is so tragic and preventable. We see this hesitancy in some pockets here too. Public awareness is key. Hope the WHO and UNICEF campaigns reach every parent.
D
David E
A $3 million deficit for a cholera plan is a huge gap for a nation like Malawi. It highlights the massive funding inequality in global health. Developed nations and global bodies need to step up faster.
A
Ananya R
Cross-border collaboration with Mozambique is smart. Diseases don't respect borders. In our region, we've seen how health crises in one country can affect neighbors. Coordinated response is the only way.
S
Siddharth J
While the government's efforts are noted, the article shows a reactive rather than proactive approach. The focus should have been on strengthening water and sanitation infrastructure years ago to prevent this. A lesson for all developing nations.
K
Kavya N
Cholera and polio in 2025... it feels like a step back in time. It's a stark reminder that our fight against these diseases isn't over until every community, no matter how remote, is safe. My thoughts are with the people of Blantyre.

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