At least 70 people died in Malawi this month from the effects of cholera. Since March, the country has been struggling with an outbreak of bacteria that can cause severe abdominal pain and diarrhea. Since then, nearly 6,000 people have been infected. A total of 180 people were killed.
The outbreak began in southern Malawi but quickly spread to the north and west. Infections were recorded in 26 of the country’s 29 districts. UNICEF and the WorldHealth Organization (WHO) are helping the African country to contain the epidemic, including by providing vaccines and antibiotics.
The outbreak has put health care in Malawi under pressure. The Minister of Health announced a few days ago that medical treatment in the affected districts will be further intensified. “We need to make sure that no more lives are lost to cholera.”
