Dedza allays Ebola fears
By Imam Wali:
Dedza District Hospital officials have called for calm amid growing concerns from some residents that the Mozambique border district was at risk of an Ebola outbreak.
Dedza District Hospital spokesperson, Mwai Liabunya, said they well equipped to detect Ebola cases.
“Although Ebola has not affected our country, Malawi was categorised as at risk. Dedza Border Post being one of the busy entry points, the DHO [District Health Office] has intensified public awareness campaigns on Ebola,” he said.
Liabunya said the DHO had engaged stakeholders such as traditional leaders, Malawi Revenue Authority officers, traditional healers, cross-border traders, religious leaders, health volunteers and transporters over the Ebola alert.
Liabunya said the Ministry of Health (MoH) has set up an isolation centre in Dedza, and screen those who come through Dedza Border Post.
Group Village Head Woman Kapalamula said DHO had done enough to ease Ebola fears in the district.
“It is understandable that some of my subjects are living in fear because of the rumours of Ebola case in Tanzania and that my village is within Dedza border. However, as a duty bearer, I will sensitise my people on the same,” she said.
Malawi is alert on Ebola amid reports that neighbouring Tanzania, which also shares borders with Mozambique, is at risk of the disease.
However, Tanzania authorities have dismissed World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that there is Ebola outbreak in the East African country which shares borders with Malawi.
Malawi also receives refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo and other countries especially in East Africa.
The BBC reports that other nations are on high alert.
Four people have died after being diagnosed with the virus in Uganda, which has maintained largely successful screening centres along its border.
Ebola is a virus that initially causes sudden fever, intense weakness, muscle pain and a sore throat.
A vibrant writer who gives a great insight on hot topics and issues
