Scabies outbreak hit Malawi flood-victims camps

An outbreak of scabies and other related skin diseases have attacked some camps in Chikhwawa District where thousands of people displaced by floods are accommodated, a health official in the district told local media Saturday.

Displaced villagers at Sekeni 1 camp in Chikwawa district queue to get medical assistance.
Displaced villagers at Sekeni 1 camp in Chikwawa district queue to get medical assistance.

The official, Thomson Kajombo, said close to 140 people, most of them children, in five camps were attacked by the outbreak and that over 200 people had developed rash and other related skin diseases.

He attributed the outbreak to poor sanitation and lack of clean bath water in the camps and he has since appealed for immediate response from government and organizations which are currently supporting the displaced people with various relief amenities.

In a related development, education activists in the country have described the impact of the hailstorm and floods on education as a very retrogressive considering that over 280 school blocks were damaged in 15 districts of the country.

Besides, classrooms of over 190 schools out of those that survived in the affected areas have been turned into camps for the displaced people, crippling the education system altogether.

More support continues to pour into the country following President Peter Mutharika’s appeal for to the world for humanitarian aid in the wake of the floods and hailstorm that displaced over 135,000 people and killed over 180.

Out of the 15 district that were affected by the floods and hailstorm, four border districts of Phalombe, Mulanje, Chikhwawa and Nsanje were the worst hit.

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Matthews Mpofu
Matthews Mpofu
9 years ago

It is a very sad development to have the scabies outbreak in already flood affected areas. I appreciate the effort which is being made by the health officials. With the existing scenario, there is need to fill the gaps of handling the cases of scabies and related skin diseases. From the tropical natural medicines, that is the combination advantages of synthetic and traditional medicines, scabies and all skin diseases are treated by Cassia alata ( kesha wa mteteza) leaves or neem (nimu) leaves. The leaves are dried under shade, pounded and boiled and add to the bathing water or as… Read more »

MIKE A.M PHIRI
9 years ago

SORRY AKU LOWER SHIRE TIPEMPHE WAKUMWAMBAYO AKUCHIZENI NDINSO AKUPATSENI THANDIZO PANTHAWI NGATI IYI.

apao
apao
9 years ago

Ndimadabwa munthu kukakamila Ku colg osapita kwao kuopa zimenezi,kikiki ma prof

Marioshona man
Marioshona man
9 years ago

At what point are the two marrying ,voting and disaster ?stupid coments. Be wise.

Msangaambe Phiri
9 years ago

I hate a situation where by officials take advantage of the displaced,hungry & sick ppl.It scares away development partners.

Msangaambe Phiri
9 years ago

Kutengeka a Malawi i dont know what made you to vote for this guy who is now taking advantage of the disaster.They are trying their best as Msowoya said that government had put forward enough reforms to win back donor aid,which means they are not happy as relief agencies such as UN are channeling their disaster aid through NGOs.They want the Aid to be directed to government so that they can use it for their own enrichment,AIDGATE.

Arthur G.M. Mtambo
9 years ago

AH !!!! HI !!!!!! GOD ASSIST TO HANDLE THIS SITUATION. GOD THE HEALER PLEASE CARE THESE PEOPLE. +AMEN +

Nathan
9 years ago

Zosakhala bwino, mmene zimapwetekera mpheremo eee, apa ndiye kufunika kuthandiza mwachangu

fkr
fkr
9 years ago

Sorry

ujeni
9 years ago

Southern region should be declared az Scabies infested zone. This is a warning to town planners and Surveyors, our Towns and Bomas dont have proper drainage system, there is no roadside drainage either, never seen one Squatters are everywhere, If you see some ditch that is supposed to serve as drainage, then its not plasterd or cemented, people have turned it into a disposal pit.

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