36,000 targeted for OCV vaccine in Rumphi district

Rumphi District Hospital has set a target of 36,000 people for the oral cholera vaccination.
The exercise comes as the district has recorded 29 cholera cases.

The exercise, currently underway, will run until 25 January in various locations throughout the district to ensure easy access to the vaccine.

Confirming the development, Chief Preventive Health Officer for the district, Sam Chirwa, said the exercise follows a surge in cholera cases in the district and the neighboring Mzimba North.

He said the current vaccination aims to strengthen immunity among vulnerable populations, particularly in the wake of the recent cases.

“We have also stepped up efforts to educate the public about preventive measures against cholera, including proper sanitation practices and the importance of boiling water before consumption,” explained Chirwa.

Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection caused by consuming food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 1.3 to 4 million cases of cholera and 21,000 to 143,000 deaths are reported each year across the globe.

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Grace Kantchentche – Donga

Grace Kantchentche Donga is a professional journalist based in Malawi with over 15 years of experience in the media industry. Her work focuses on reporting and storytelling of key social, health, political, and economic issues, among others. She is passionate about transparency and development.

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