Zero cases of Ebola in Malawi But vigilance & Preparedness

There are no active cases of Ebola in Malawi, but with over 1,200 cases in nearby DRC and Uganda, the Malawian authorities are on high alert and are following World Health Organisation (WHO) protocols.

WHO has declared Ebola a public health emergency of international concern, emphasising the need for vigilance in neighbouring countries. Following WHO recommendations, Malawi has activated key response pillars, including:

• Surveillance and screening: Intensified monitoring of travellers entering the country to detect potential cases early
• Case management and isolation: Rapid reporting mechanisms and isolation centres are ready for activation
• Infection prevention: Public health guidance includes frequent handwashing, avoiding bush meat, and avoiding contact with infected individuals or their bodily fluids
• Coordination and logistics: Prepositioning of medical supplies and operational readiness of response teams across the country

Malawi has also reviewed its Ebola response plan in line with WHO guidance, ensuring that standard operating procedures are in place for different stages of an outbreak.

Transport and Trade routes to Malawi’s North have been identified as posing the greatest risk. The Public Health Institute of Malawi states that the priority must be to prevent any local spread and monitor anyone who has been close to an infected person within a strict 21-day window. Malawi has made it a legal requirement for all border corridors to report suspected symptoms within 24 hours of any unexplained rash and fever and observe medical isolation.

Animal health, laboratory, and clinical teams are being co-ordinated under a unified framework to give local District Health Officers immediate powers to act without waiting for permission from the capital.

UNICEF Malawi has provided the Government of Malawi with £478,000 to help equip health workers and hospitals for Ebola prevention. In Karonga district, over 170 medical personnel and surveillance assistants have been trained on Ebola preparedness and prevention.

The Toll-Free Helpline number in Malawi for the Public Health Emergency Centre is: 929