Nandumbo villagers in Balaka risk having health centre closed

Activists are condemning a recent violent attack by uncompromising villagers at Nandumbo health centre in Balaka that compelled some cholera patients to discharge themselves from admission.

During the barbaric act, the irate mob pounced on several health personnel whom they accused of fueling the cholera outbreak in the district where infection figures stand at 1,504 – including 46 deaths since last March.

Malawi Health Equity Network (MHEN) Executive Director, George Jobe, expresses concern that the incident will disturb the fight against the scourge.

Commenting through twitter, Executive Secretary for the Malawi Human Rights Commission Habiba Osman has described the situation as a disaster.

Osman has since called on more players to get involved, citing the role of community gate keepers in civic education as pivotal.

Meanwhile, the Balaka district council authorities have since given the communities around Namndumbo a 5 day ultimatum to surrender the culprits, failing which the health facility will be closed.