By Blessings Memena

Mzuzu, July 16, Mana: Executive Director for Malawi Health Equity Network (MHEN), George Jobe has urged government and other stakeholders to encourage people to continue observing preventive measures of Cholera.

According to him, it was good news to know that Cholera outbreak which started in March 2022 has now been declared to have ended however he has warned against laxity.

In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Tuesday in Mzuzu, Jobe said laxity could lead to another Cholera outbreak as the rainy season was approaching. 

“Health Surveillance Assistants (HSAs) together with other council officials should ensure there is good sanitation and hygiene in our markets.

“There is need for government and different stakeholders to emphasize through media and community leaders that people should continue to observe preventive measures like washing hands with soap, good sanitation and hygienic practices and avoiding handshakes,” he said.

Jobe asked government to continue with water and sanitation projects aimed at providing safe water to the public.  

“Potable water is key in the fight against Cholera hence government should continue projects that provide safe water to people like sinking boreholes and provision of piped water by our water boards,” he said.

Ministry of Health declared in a Press Statement on July 12, 2024 that Cholera outbreak that started in 2022 has ended.   

The Outbreak had been declared a public health emergency on December 5, 2022 by President, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera.