Malawi declares national disaster over Corona virus

Universal Health Coverage Coalition UHCC has commended government for declaring state of nation disaster but seeks clarification on some conditions and full knowledge of Corona virus by Malawians.

UHCC has said this after president professor Peter Mutharika declared the state of national disaster in order to prevent the pandemic.

In his national address Mutharika banned public gatherings to less than 100 people, travel of foreign nationals from countries highly affected by the disease, suspended issuance of visa to them, suspended issuance of international meetings and ordered the closure of schools.

“Government developed a response of 15 billion kwacha and provided 2.5 billion kwacha as immediate funding,” says Mutharika

Commenting, the coalition has commended Malawi for the notable actions in her efforts to fight Corona virus.

UHCC cites involvement of various ministries, intensifying screening, improving isolation rooms, training health workers and developing ICT materials.

However the coalition says there is need for more action in order to prevent Malawi from contracting COVID-19 and contain the situation in case of any confirmed cases.

Therefore it has pleaded with government to increase awareness raising so that everyone knows corona virus.

“We appealed to ban importation of second hand clothes, international conferences, travel from countries hit by corona virus, restrict international trips and avail water points in various places among others,” says UHCC

Meanwhile, Malawi first ever community health ambassador, Maziko Mtemba whilst applauding the president for declaring the state of national disaster, pointed out the need for increased budget allocation towards the health sector.

On quarantine, Matemba said the country does not have enough equipment of detecting the virus hence the call for more funding.

Corona virus can be prevented by washing hands frequently with soap for at least 20 seconds or use of hand sanitiser, stop handshakes, maintain social distance with people, stop touching eyes, nose and mouth, practice cough hygiene by covering mouth and nose with tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing and seek medical care whenever feeling unwell.

Corona virus has killed over 10, 000 people and infected more than 100, 00 people and 100 countries since December 2019.

However over 80, 000 patients have recovered from the disease whose signs are fever, cough, sore throat and difficulty in breathing.