By Wendy Mkandawire
The ministry of health and Sanitation has today Wednesday 2 September,2026 officially opened National Workshop to develop a community protection Strategic Action Plan for Cholera preparedness.
Speaking during the opening of the workshop, principal Secretary for Administration in the ministry of health Bestone Chisamile said Malawi is strengthening its preparedness for health emergencies by engaging the communities at the center of prevention, early detection and response.
He further said that over the years Malawi has experienced recurrent outbreaks that have resulted in preventable illness loss of lives,disruption of livehoods and considerable pressure in the health system.
He added that effective cholera prevention and control require the active participation and ownership of communities.
” The strategy and action plan we develop during this workshop must be practical, evidence based inclusive and responsive to the realities faced by our communities”, he added.
In his remarks World health organization representative to malawi Dr Charles Njunguna said there is need to translate health emergency preparedness into practical community led action that enables Malawi to detect, prevent and respond to Cholera threats earlier.
He said for Cholera preparedness and response this means strengthening risk communication and community engagement,supporting community based surveillance and Early warning systems enhancing access to safe water and sanitation interventions.
Dr Rashid Zaman Health advisor foreign,Commonwealth and development Office ( FCDO) stated that preventing Cholera requires more than a strong health system
” It requires empowered communities, coordinated action and investment in prevention.this workshop provides a platform to bring government, communities and partners together to identify practical solutions that strengthen Malawi preparedness”, he added.
The initiative supports Malawi’s Multi Sectoral Cholera Control Plan 2025-2030, which aims to reduce annual Cholera incidence by 90 percent and bring the case fatality rate below 1 percent by 2030.
