Malawi's worst cholera outbreak in 20 years has claimed 750 lives, the country's health minister said on Thursday. Malawi is among 31 countries to have reported cholera outbreaks since December, with the World Health Organisation saying epidemics are “more widespread and deadly than normal”. Health Minister Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda on Thursday ordered the closure of many businesses that lack safe water, toilets and hygienic refuse disposal facilities, and announced restrictions on the sale of pre-cooked food. In the capital, Lilongwe, some people blamed lack of basic services such as safe water and sanitation for the outbreak. Epidemiologist Adamson Muula told The Associated Press that the outbreak is affecting “the very poor” who lack access to safe water and sanitation.

Source: Ethiopian News January 13, 2023 00:34 UTC