Malawi has begun a cholera vaccination campaign this week to curb the spread of the disease, which kills tens of thousands globally each year. The rollout targets areas hit by heavy rains and flooding, which have heightened outbreak risks in the southern African region.
The three-day campaign focused on Chilomoni township in Blantyre, where at least 17 cholera cases and one death have been reported. Health officials warn of a steady rise in cases nationally, with unsafe water sources identified as a key cause. Many residents in Chilomoni rely on a contaminated stream for water when they cannot afford clean water from private taps.
Dr. Gift Kawalazira, director of health services in Blantyre, said the vaccination drive aims to reach the most vulnerable populations. Malawi hopes to administer 24,000 oral vaccines initially, though more are needed. The global vaccine stockpile has been depleted since 2022, leaving poorer countries struggling to contain outbreaks.
Residents like Harriet George, who brought her two children for vaccination, expressed concern over the outbreak. “Nine people from this area are in the hospital, and the news was not welcome because the end result is death,” she said. Another resident, Noel Kanjere, urged health authorities to provide continuous awareness messages, not just during outbreaks.
Africa has seen a resurgence of cholera, with over 300,000 cases last year—the worst in 25 years. Unusually heavy rains and flooding in southern Africa have exacerbated the threat, particularly in Mozambique, where over 500,000 people are affected by floods. UNICEF has warned of a lethal combination of waterborne diseases and malnutrition.
