As the cholera outbreak expands, Malawi’s health ministry will shortly begin a second vaccination drive after receiving 2.9 million doses of the oral cholera vaccine.
The vaccine was purchased with assistance from the World Health Organization (WHO) thanks to funding from the Global Vaccine Alliance (Gavi).
According to government statistics, the outbreak, which has killed more than 200 people and infected 6,868 more since March, has already reached 27 of Malawi’s 29 districts.
The WHO stated in a statement that “the current outbreak constitutes the greatest pandemic reported in the nation in the last 10 years.” The age groups that are most impacted are those between 21 and 30. Males suffer more than females do.
The WHO continued, “The outbreak is occurring in the aftermath of tropical storm Ana (January 2022) and Cyclone Gombe (March 2022) that produced flooding and forced the displacement of a population with low pre-existing immunity and lack of access to potable water, sanitation, and hygiene.”
Over 1.5 million people were protected against cholera during a previous vaccine program in May.
Although the outbreak was initially discovered in Malawi’s southern area, the north is today home to the most impacted districts.
