In an attempt to succesfully fight the Cholera outbreak, humanitarian organisation Malawi Red Cross Society has partnered with International Federation for Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
The partnership comes as Malawi has recorded over 31000 Cholera cases with confirmed over 1000 deaths.
In an interview, Innocent Majiya MRCS President said there is need for concerted efforts if the fight against the pandemic is succesfully to be won.
‘We currently have over 31000 confirmed cases and 1000 confirmed deaths hence calling upon for collaboration in the fight against the pandemic’, said Majiya.
According to Majiya with collaborative effort the fight against the pandemic can succesfully be won.
Malawi is currently experiencing the worst ever Cholera outbreak with over 10 Million people at risk of suffering from the disease.
“Malawi Red Cross Society is committed to continue supporting the Government of Malawi in responding to the cholera outbreak and other health emergencies.
“We are grateful to the IFRC and other Movement & non movement partners for continued finance and technical assistance to the MRCS Cholera response plan.
“The Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) is already providing life saving treatment at the community level by administering Oral Rehydration Therapy.
“Volunteers ensure that water supplies are safe and that sanitation facilities are working. They also go door-to-door to raise awareness on preventing the disease from spreading. With the rainy season underway, it is crucial that people take precautions to protect themselves and their families. Continuous engagement of our volunteers with communities is very paramount in influencing health behavior change as we battle with the outbreak,” said Majiya
John Roche, Head of IFRC’s Delegation for Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe said; “the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has been monitoring the developments on the ground since the first cases, and it is deeply concerned that this outbreak has taken a foothold in every corner of Malawi.
“The IFRC has joined efforts to support MOH and Malawi Red Cross in responding to this devastating situation. As the outbreak worsens, partnerships are crucial to ensure lives are saved.”
He said IFRC and its membership have launched a Cholera Emergency Appeal seeking 5.2 million Swiss francs, (over 5.7 Billion Malawi Kwacha) which will help the Malawi Government through the Malawi Red Cross reach a further 1,385,391 people with cholera prevention and control interventionsIn scaling up the operation, Malawi Red Cross and its partners with the IFRC aim to target over 18 affected districts.
“The core objectives are to prevent and control the spread of Cholera outbreak at the community and facility levels in the affected districts, interrupting the chain of transmission.
“Reduce morbidity and mortality due to cholera and improve the availability of safe water and sanitation facilities, through continued support to communities and district health offices by supporting improved cholera case management at facility and community levels in the affected districts.
“The out puts of the MRCS Cholera operation among others include, Health & Care including Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Social and Behavior Change (SBC), Risk Communication and Community Engagement and Accountability (CEA), Protection, Gender and Inclusion (PGI), Nutrition, Education and Coordination and Partnerships.
He said IFRC, Danish Red Cross, and Swiss Red Cross who have at the moment already supported us with over 1 Billion Kwacha which has enabled us reach out to 10 districts of Karonga, Mzimba North, Nkhatabay, Nkhotakota, Salima, Mangochi, Chikwawa, Mwanza, Rumphi and Blantyre.
“In these districts, MRCS has among others, supported the Ministry of Health to establish 13 Cholera Treatment Units (CTUs) by providing tents and support with case management, supported with the setting of Oral Rehydration Points (ORPs), supported MoH led Oral Cholera Vaccination campaign through social mobilization activities in high-risk districts and supported with drilling of boreholes,” he said
