By Arthur Kaludzu:
Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Malawians from potential Ebola outbreaks by strengthening screening, surveillance and response systems at all ports of entry following emerging public health threats in the region.
Minister of Health and Sanitation Madalitso Baloyi, made the remarks on Monday after inspecting Ebola screening measures at Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) in Lilongwe, where authorities are screening incoming international travelers as part of heightened disease surveillance efforts.
Baloyi said government had implemented several preventive measures, including traveler screening, enhanced surveillance and deployment of trained personnel to detect and manage any suspected cases.
“The screening exercise is going on really well. We came here to appreciate what is happening on the ground and ensure that the guidelines we have put in place are being followed. We are strengthening surveillance, deploying trained personnel and ensuring that any suspected cases are properly managed,” he said.
The Minister said the inspection established that significant progress had been made in implementing the measures and that Malawi remained prepared to respond to any health emergency.
“We are ready as a nation and as a Ministry of Health and Sanitation. We want to make sure that we protect Malawi from any health emergency that may arise, whether it is Ebola or other outbreaks such as cholera,” said Baloyi.
Baloyi disclosed that Malawi has not recorded any Ebola cases or suspected cases but stressed the need to maintain vigilance.
“So far, I am happy to report that there has not been any Ebola case in Malawi. Nevertheless, we will continue strengthening surveillance, diagnostic capacity and early detection systems to ensure Malawians remain protected,” he said.
World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative to Malawi, Dr. Charles Kuria Njuguna, described Malawi’s Ebola preparedness efforts as encouraging, noting that the country has made significant progress across several critical areas.
“We have supported the country to conduct a readiness assessment covering surveillance, case management, laboratory services, community engagement, medical supplies and human resource capacity, among other pillars. Malawi is moving quite fast in ensuring readiness in case of any suspected Ebola case,” he said.
Malawi, together with its development partners, has intensified surveillance and screening activities at airports and border posts as part of broader regional efforts to prevent the spread of Ebola and other infectious diseases.
