Mulanje Takes a Step in COVID-19 Preparations

Mulanje district and its stakeholders have taken a step on Corona virus aimed at mitigating risk and containing the pandemic in the event of an outbreak.

Mulanje District Health Office Assistant Environmental Officer, Masilina Kausiwa said Mulanje being a bordering district with Mozambique, is at a higher risk because of its porous borders.

She said this is why they thought it wise to formulate the plan that mainly focuses on social mobilization, capacity building, surveillance of hotspots, advocacy and purchase of medical supplies and equipment.

“The idea is to reach out to communities with key massages on the virus so that they are aware of how they could protect themselves and respond when showing signs and symptoms.

“So we have planned community dialogues at village level and health talks in all the 23 health centers across the district, and on Mzati Community Radio Station and another Mozambican radio to reach out to people living within the borders,” Kausiwa said.

She added that the DHO will also conduct follow-ups of people on self-quarantine and step up its surveillance efforts to ensure the district is free from the virus.

On his part, Mulanje District Council Director of Health and Social Services (DHSS), Alinafe Kalanga stressed the need to strengthen cross border coordination saying currently there are inadequate cross border surveillance measures.

Thakarhaka Charity Foundation Programs Director, Ted Mwango, commended the DHO for its proactive response to the Corona virus.

“In most cases we seems to be reactive, so this is very commendable, we know the challenges the health center is facing in the country, we will see how best we can lend a hand as stakeholders,” he said.

Malawi has not registered a single case as of Covid-19.