Malawi postpones the opening of schools due to the increase in cholera cases

MADRID, 3 years old. (PRESS EUROPE) –

Malawi’s Ministry of Health said on Monday that the opening of schools in the south of the country will be postponed due to the increase in cholera cases.

Health has indicated that primary and secondary classes will not start this Tuesday 3 January, as announced, but will be postponed until further notice, ensuring they will not be delayed for more than two weeks.

Similarly, the head of the portfolio, Khumbize Chiponda, has asked the local authorities –of the cities of Blantyre and Lilongwe– to step up initiatives together with the Ministry, to increase coverage of primary needs such as drinking water, food or vaccination in the most affected areas.

“For all students in all health districts, respective authorities should improve compliance with recommended cholera control measures, including cholera vaccination for those who have not yet been vaccinated,” said a statement from Chiponda.

The ministry also said it would continue to monitor data on cases and deaths in these major cities, as well as across the country.

Chiponda’s office indicated that there are 409 cases, so there are 18,222 confirmed cumulative cases. In addition, there were 25 new deaths, bringing the total toll from this outbreak to 620.