Guardians at Karonga District Hospital have bemoaned lack of hygiene at the facility amid high cholera cases.
So far the country has registered 35 deaths out of the 700 cases.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) Mary Kayela said: “Hygiene is a challenge here. The toilets are in bad shape and produce foul smell. Waste management is a problem too. We fear of contracting cholera.”
Another guardian Josephine Skamba added that the shelter is a breeding place for mosquitos and poses a malaria threat to its users, adding there is one bathroom only for all guardians.
She further bemoaned lack of adequate space, electricity and a proper structure to house the guardians adding security of both life and property at risk.
“We are therefore calling for the council to renovate the shelter and fix sanitation and the other challenges because we are likely to suffer more during the rainy season,” she said.
Karonga District health and social services officer David Sibale said the shelter was the responsibility of the council.
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Council chairperson for Karonga District councillor Belliam Msukwa said “I will meet the chairman of health committee at the council level to learn their program about the guardian shelter. Electricity will be installed to reduce difficulties during odd hours and rainy season.”
Karonga District Hospital has a bed capacity of 235.
On sanitation and hygiene, Malawi Vision 2063 emphasizes on provision and promotion of the use of improved and accessible sanitation facilities in public places as well as improving management of solid and liquid waste.
