Covid-19 cases surge in Blantyre
Officials at Blantyre District Health Office (DHO) have expressed worry over the continued rise of Covid-19 infections among people in the district.
Director of Health and Social Services Dr. Gift Kawalazira says Blantyre district has seen a rise in coronavirus cases this winter.
As of Wednesday this week, Kawalazira says the district had recorded 666 Covid-19 cases, 19 deaths and 200 recoveries.
“The situation is worrisome and has placed a heavy strain on our front line workers who are finding it tough to cope,” Kawalazira said in an interview during a donation of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) s for health workers in 10 clinics and health centers under the Blantyre DHO by charity organisation Gift of the Givers.
Kawalazira also attributed the rise in Covid-19 cases to the winter cold saying the situation could improve come August this year.
He then said front line workers still need PPEs to effectively serve the general public.
“Of late, many health workers have contracted the coronavirus due to lack of personal protective equipment as they are the first line of defence, so we really appreciate the support we are getting from well-wishers including Gift of the Givers because health workers need more of these (PPEs) for them to effectively help patients while at the same time protecting themselves from the virus,” Kawalazira said.
He added that his office needs community support in terms of reporting cases for health workers to effectively fight the pandemic.
In her remarks, Gift of the Givers Senior programs manager Sherifa Mia, said the donation is part of the organization’s effort to assist the country’s health service delivery system.
“We are already working in 10 health centers in Blantyre district, providing nutrition supplements to over 500 people, so we so it fit to provide support to the DHO’s efforts against Covid-19,” Mia said.
The support which includes cloth face masks, hand sanitizers and washing soap is worth K4.3 million and was purchased with financial contribution from UK based charities, Chifundo and Chanasa road to relief.
Eric Msikiti is a Senior Reporter/News Producer at Times Group. Though relatively young, Eric boasts years of experience in Malawi’s media industry.
