Authors : Gibson Mphemvu; George Chikondi Samu; Noreen Clara Ng’ambi; Sellina Samu

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 11 - November

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/whdzfpy8

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/4sx98nds

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25nov1106

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : Cholera outbreaks pose a significant public health challenge in Malawi, where contaminated water sources contribute to the spread of this deadly disease. Focusing on the public health crisis, the paper examines the factors contributing to recurrent outbreaks, including inadequate sanitation infrastructure and limited access to clean water. It also analyzes the efforts taken by different stakeholders to mitigate the impact through improved water management strategies, community education, and international collaborations. This paper underscores the need for sustainable solutions to break the continuing cycle of cholera epidemics in Malawi, emphasizing the intersection of health, water quality, and socio-economic challenges. The study reveals a sharp increase in cholera cases in 2022 and 2023, with regions having poor water infrastructure, such as Blantyre and Mangochi, reporting the highest number of cases. The case fatality rate (CFR) remained above the World Health Organization’s emergency threshold of 1%, highlighting the severity of the outbreaks. Contaminated water sources, inadequate sanitation facilities, and poor hygiene practices were identified as major drivers of cholera transmission. To address these challenges, the paper recommends a multi-sectoral approach involving surveillance, laboratory support, clinical care, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions, social mobilization, and the use of oral cholera vaccines (OCV) among high-risk populations. Additionally, improving water sanitation infrastructure and promoting community awareness about hygiene practices are crucial steps. The paper also emphasizes the need for effective urban planning to prioritize public health in rapidly urbanizing areas. Cholera outbreaks in Malawi are a serious public health issue requiring collaborative efforts from government agencies, NGOs, and local communities. The findings highlight the urgent need for comprehensive interventions to combat contaminated water sources and protect public health.

Keywords : Cholera Outbreaks Malawi, Water Contamination, Public Health emergency, Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV), Water Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH).

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