As officials battle to control an outbreak that has claimed the lives of more than 117 people so far, the number of cholera cases in Malawi has more than tripled in the previous two months.
According to the UN, nationwide cases have increased from 1,000 to more than 4,200 since August. Southern Malawi’s first case of cholera, which is primarily spread by tainted food and water, was recorded in March.
But 22 of Malawi’s 28 districts have already been hit by the disease. The arrival of the rainy season in November, according to experts, may make the situation worse.
In the one of the poorest countries in the world, southern Africa, the government has begun vaccinating people against cholera in large numbers.
According to data from the World Health Organisation, this outbreak has been the worst worldwide so far this year.
There is currently a budget shortage of more than $13 million (£11.8 million) for the nation’s cholera response strategy.
The current economic crisis in Malawi has resulted in street protests over the lack of fuel, electricity, foreign currency, as well as medications and medical supplies.
