Machinga District in Malawi is facing a double health threat: cholera and the looming possibility of Mpox outbreaks. But with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO) and funding from the French Government, they’re fighting back. This article dives deep into how they’re strengthening their defenses and what it means for the community.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Cholera outbreak: Machinga District has been battling cholera since September 2024.
- Key Drivers: Poor sanitation, lack of clean water, and contaminated food are fueling the spread.
- WHO Support: The WHO is training health workers and setting up community response teams.
- Mpox Preparedness: They’re also getting ready to tackle potential Mpox cases.
- Community Focus: Community involvement is key to stopping the spread.
The Cholera Challenge in Machinga
Machinga District, located beside Lake Chilwa, has been hit hard by cholera. The district has been seeing sporadic cases since November 2024, particularly within the Machinga District Hospital’s area. This isn’t just a coincidence; several issues make the area a hotbed for the disease:
- Lack of sanitation: Many people lack access to proper toilets.
- Unsafe water: Access to clean, safe drinking water is a huge problem.
- Contaminated food: Food consumed within households can often be contaminated.
These factors create a perfect storm for cholera, making it difficult to control outbreaks. Cholera, a bacterial disease, can cause severe diarrhea and dehydration, leading to death if left untreated. The CDC has further information on the dangers of Cholera and how to prevent it.
The WHO’s Intervention
The WHO, with financial backing from the French Government, stepped in to help. They focused on training and supervision to improve the district’s ability to handle outbreaks. Key actions included:
District Coordination
Meetings were held bringing together health officials from the District Health Management Team (DHMT) and District Rapid Response Teams (DRRT). These meetings allowed them to assess current strategies, integrate plans for Mpox, and get up to speed with the latest guidelines. For example, the WHO provides in-depth fact sheets on cholera guidelines.
Facility-Level Training
Training sessions were conducted at:
- Machinga District Hospital
- Ntholowa Health Centre
- Mbanila Health Centre
These locations were prioritized due to their proximity to Lake Chilwa and history of cholera cases. Health Surveillance Assistants (HSAs) received training on Case Area Targeted Interventions (CATI). CATI is a method that identifies and controls cholera hotspots through case detection, water quality improvement, and community mobilization.
Community Involvement
Realizing that local people are crucial in stopping the spread of the disease, Community Outbreak Response Teams (CORTs) were set up. These volunteers were trained to raise awareness on:
- Proper hygiene practices
- Safe water usage
- The importance of seeking timely treatment
Water quality assessments were also conducted in Kaudzu Village, where risks of contamination were identified and addressed to prevent further spread.
Mpox Preparedness
Besides the cholera outbreak, Machinga District is also preparing for possible Mpox cases. The WHO is ensuring that the district is ready to detect and respond by providing:
- Orientation on case identification
- Guidelines for case management
- Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures
The WHO stresses that early detection and swift response are critical in containing disease outbreaks. They have also shared information regarding monkeypox, now known as Mpox, for further education.
Looking Ahead
The progress in Machinga District is thanks to the support of the French Government. The team has built stronger capacity for health workers and established community-based response teams, with better readiness to combat potential Mpox cases. Moving forward, it’s critical to continue collaborating, ensure resources are available, and involve the community. This will ensure that Machinga remains resilient when faced with any future health threats.
The WHO’s work in Machinga shows how health interventions can drastically improve communities by keeping them informed, prepared, and protected. By focusing on community engagement and support from global health organizations, we can safeguard future generations.
For further information, contact Ovixlexla Kamenyagwaza-Bunya at bunyao@who.int or call +265 999 930 280.