The World Health Organisation (WHO) has deployed an emergency medical team to Malawi to support the cholera outbreak response in the country.
The WHO, while noting that this was part of the continued support to Malawi’s government in the cholera outbreak response, said it had activated its Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs) network.
Development Diaries reports that the EMTs will respond to the current cholera outbreak by managing patients in the cholera treatment centres, providing essential medication and supplies, and training local colleagues.
Data from WHO shows that Malawi has had over 1,133 deaths as of 31 January, 2023, with a high cholera case fatality rate of 3.24 percent.
‘Cholera death is avoidable with proper tools and resources in place’, WHO Representative for Malawi, Neema Rusibamayila Kimambo, said in a statement.
‘The EMT is bringing crucial expertise in clinical care which will help to improve patient outcomes in cholera treatment centres.
‘The EMTs will not only help to treat those in need, but also provide the mentorship and on-job trainings that will strengthen the knowledge of our local health officers in general critical care skills’.
Secretary for Health in the Malawi’s Ministry of Health, Charles Mwansambo, noted that the cholera outbreak presents a clear challenge to the country’s healthcare system.
He said the additional support that EMT teams are bringing will help the country improve and provide the quality of care that meets the minimum standards.
Source: WHO
Photo source: UNPD
