Blantyre, Malawi – Health officials in Malawi are sounding the alarm over a surge in cholera cases that has already claimed at least three lives since October 2025. With over 50 confirmed infections nationwide, the commercial hub of Blantyre bears the brunt, reporting two fatalities and 30 cases alone.
Health and Sanitation Minister Madalitsso Baloyi voiced deep concerns during a Wednesday awareness meeting with city administrators. The outbreak’s epicenter in Blantyre underscores the urgent need for improved sanitation and public health measures. Compounding the crisis, a rare case of polio virus type-2 was detected in the city, confirmed positive after samples were tested in South Africa.
Blantyre’s Health and Social Services Director Gift Kwalazira pointed to poor sanitation practices as a primary culprit behind these outbreaks. The polio victim, a seven-year-old child, had never received vaccinations due to parental beliefs, highlighting gaps in immunization coverage.
The government is ramping up efforts in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and other partners. Vaccination drives and public awareness campaigns on hygiene are in full swing. Last December, Malawi appealed for over $3 million to fund its cholera control plan, targeting a total budget of $3.37 million. So far, only $357,000 has been secured, leaving a massive funding shortfall.
In Lilongwe and four other districts, 11 cholera cases have been verified. To bolster border surveillance, authorities have initiated joint investigations with neighboring Mozambique’s Mwanza and Moatize districts. The National Public Health Emergency Operations Center is now active, supported by a National Incident Management Team coordinating the response.
As cases mount, experts warn that without swift intervention, the dual threat of cholera and polio could spiral into a nationwide emergency. Malawi’s resolve to contain these diseases will test its health infrastructure and international partnerships in the coming weeks.
