WHO donates ambulances and essential supplies to the Ministry of Health to boost cholera outbreak response

With cholera continuing to spread across communities, there is a gap in referral system for cholera patients in areas that have limited access to cholera treatment facilities. WHO supported in establishing 60 Oral Rehydration Points which facilitate early treatment of cholera cases at community level and timely referral of severe cholera cases to cholera treatment centres. Strengthening referral system of cholera patients will ease a burden on primary health facilities which were disrupted by cholera care services.

“These ambulances are a critical element in the cholera outbreak response as they will enable the provision on referral services and ensuring affected people have access to life-saving cholera treatment.” Said WHO African Region Director. “No cholera death is acceptable, and these ambulances will help save lives.”

The Minister of Health Honorable Kandondo-Chiponda thanked WHO for its continued support in the cholera outbreak response. “These ambulances will contribute to the implementation of our ‘Tithetse Kolera’ (End Cholera) campaign as we set to reduce number of cholera deaths and interrupt cholera transmission. It is encouraging to see our joint efforts bearing fruits as we are beginning to witness a decline in new cases and deaths for the past four consecutive weeks.”

The donated ambulances are equipped with oxygen tanks, defibrillators, ventilators and other medical devices that will allow transportation of critical ill patients to cholera treatment centers.

Since the end of January 2023, WHO has dispatched emergency supplies with a total value of over US$ 1.25 million via land, air and sea to Malawi. In total, WHO has delivered 98 tons of medical supplies and equipment, including cholera kits, laboratory kits, tents, medical supplies, water tanks, rapid diagnosis test and personal protective equipment (PPEs).

The UN Resident coordinator a.i Zhijun Chen, Regional Emergencies Director for the African region Dr Abdou Salam Gueye and the Co-chair of the Presidential Task force on COVID-19 and Cholera Dr Wilfred Chalamira Nkhoma also attended the event.