Machuluka in cholera sensitisation campaign
Following cholera outbreak in Nkhata Bay recently, musician Machuluka of the ‘Zowala Za Mwana Wangu’ fame who hails from that district, decided to play a role as an artist by embarking in a cholera sensitisation campaign.
The musician, who has over the years won the hearts of people with his well-crafted songs done in the Tonga language, said Wednesday that as creatives, they have a role to play to disseminate important information to the masses hence using his artistry to raise awareness about cholera.
The Daily Times reported on Tuesday that the country continues battling the spread of cholera whose recorded cases last month surpassed 400.
Ministry of Health data indicated that a total of 1,647 cases were recorded since the first case of cholera was registered in Machinga District in March this year, out of which 62 people have died so far.
“I just had to do something. I am not in the health field but I have a music talent that I always use in tackling issues including health. This is why I decided to engage in a cholera sensitisation drive,” he said.
Machuluka said as artists they always look forward to people patronising the concerts and that it becomes tough to have the best of gigs when people get sick.
“For a country to develop we need healthy people to engage on different developmental works and the same also applies to concerts, people will come in large numbers and patronise shows when they are in good health. So, when you have people who are unwell things do not go down well and we get affected us well as creatives,” the musician real name, Andrew Mphande, said.
He said in order to save lives, he partnered with Edna Manda Foundation which works in the locality to do a cholera sensitisation campaign to educate the community on cholera prevention.
“I actually reached out for more support and the Nkhata Bay District Office reached out to us. They helped us by providing a Public Address System and transport to roll out the initiative,” Machuluka said.
The youthful musician said the sensitisation campaign was on-going and called for support from players for them to reach out to more areas.
“As an artist, I just want to support the Ministry of Health in this drive; they need more support from all stakeholders. As I indicated, artists play a vital role when it comes to conveying messages to the community. I also passionate about humanitarian works and this is what led me to be part of this initiative,” Machuluka said.
He added: “It all begins with us to make a difference in people’s lives”.
Meanwhile, Minister of Health Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda has said that the government was on top of the game to manage the cholera outbreak before the rainy season starts.
The minister made the remarks Wednesday during a press briefing held in Lilongwe on issues pertaining to health in the country.
