Machinga Hospital Struggles with Cholera Outbreak Amid Staff Shortage

The Machinga District Hospital is facing a dire cholera situation, struggling to manage a high number of cases with a shortage of staff.

During a tour of the facility, Machinga District Medical Officer Chimwemwe Yailo reported that the spread of the disease is being contained in surrounding areas through increased surveillance and control around Lake Chilwa, and by administering oral cholera vaccines to 38,000 people.

However, the hospital is in dire need of support as it lacks sufficient beds and proper infrastructure at the cholera treatment unit, resulting in patients being treated in hallways.

At present, the cholera treatment center in Machinga district has 79 patients.