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Malawi + 38 more

Weekly Bulletin on Outbreaks and other Emergencies: Week 43: 21 - 27 October 2024 Data as reported by: 17:00; 27 October 2024

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This Weekly Bulletin focuses on public health emergencies occurring in the WHO African region. This week’s articles cover:

  • Cholera in Malawi

  • Floods in South Sudan

    For each of these events, a brief description, followed by public health measures implemented and an interpretation of the situation, is provided.

    A table is provided at the end of the bulletin with information on all new and ongoing public health events currently being monitored in the region, as well as recent events that have been controlled and closed.

    Major issues include

The cholera outbreak in Malawi has primarily affected the northern region, posing a significant public health concern with persistent local transmission and a potential intensification of cases. Chitipa remains the epicentre of the outbreak, with Karonga also reporting ongoing transmission. Despite no new cases were reported from new districts in recent weeks, the cholera outbreak is facing key challenges like limited laboratory supplies, delayed sample transport, and inadequate WASH facilities that impede efficient response. The situation demands focused monitoring and rapid interventions to strengthen surveillance, laboratory, and community-level interventions to control the spread, manage active cases, and enhance outbreak preparedness, especially as the future cholera season approaches.