Health authorities worry over cholera, polio outbreaks in Malawi
Health authorities on Thursday raised concern over a growing cholera outbreak in Malawi, with at least three deaths and more than 50 confirmed cases reported nationwide since October 2025.
Minister of Health and Sanitation, Madalitso Baloyi, expressed concern on Wednesday during a sensitisation meeting with authorities in the commercial hub of Blantyre, which had recorded the highest number of cases.
Th e minister said that Blantyre had reported two cholera-related deaths and 30 confirmed cases, making it the epicentre of the outbreak.
Ms Baloyi also confirmed the recent detection of a case of poliovirus type 2 in Blantyre.
She said samples were sent to South Africa for laboratory testing, where the infection was confirmed.
Blantyre’s Director of Health and Social Services, Gift Kawalazira, attributed the outbreaks to poor sanitation and other contributing factors.
The director said that poliovirus was detected in a seven-year-old boy in Blantyre who had never been vaccinated due to his parents’ beliefs.
The Malawian government is working with the World Health Organisation (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other partners to contain the outbreaks.
The outbreaks can be contained through vaccination campaigns and public awareness efforts focused on hygiene and disease prevention.
(Xinhua/NAN)
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