15/06/2026
Today, the Executive Director of Malawi Health Equity Network (MHEN), George Jobe, attended the Ministry of Health and Sanitation's Ebola preparedness assessment at Kamuzu International Airport, led by the Minister of Health and Sanitation, Hon. Madalitso Baloyi, MP, and the subsequent handover of Ebola and Cholera prevention and response supplies by the World Health Organization (WHO), represented by Dr. Charles Njuguna, WHO Representative to Malawi.
During the visit to Kamuzu International Airport, we observed the measures that have been put in place to strengthen Malawi's preparedness against Ebola and other public health threats. The delegation witnessed the screening process for travellers entering Malawi, including the completion of health declaration forms and temperature screening using thermal scanners. The team also visited an interrogation room where travellers with elevated temperatures can undergo further assessment and be allowed to cool down if the rise in temperature is due to walking from the aircraft to the arrivals area. In addition, the delegation toured a quarantine facility located at the airport, which is ready to accommodate any suspected case requiring further observation and management.
These measures demonstrate that Malawi's points of entry remain vigilant and prepared to detect and respond to potential public health threats before they spread into communities. MHEN commends the Government of Malawi, the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, WHO, Port Health Officers, airport authorities, and all frontline personnel for their dedication and professionalism in safeguarding public health.
Thereafter, the delegation proceeded to the Ministry of Health and Sanitation Headquarters in Lilongwe, where WHO, through its Representative to Malawi, Dr. Charles Njuguna, officially handed over Ebola and Cholera prevention and response supplies worth US$73,000 (approximately MK127.8 million) to the Government of Malawi through the Honourable Minister of Health and Sanitation, Hon. Madalitso Baloyi, MP.
The supplies, which include personal protective equipment, hand hygiene facilities, cleaning and waste management materials, water quality and safety supplies, cholera beds, and autoclaves, will significantly strengthen Malawi's preparedness and response capacity while enhancing the safety of healthcare workers who remain at the forefront of protecting communities during disease outbreaks.
As a health rights and advocacy organization, MHEN recognizes that preparedness saves lives. Investments in disease surveillance, screening at points of entry, protection of health workers, infection prevention and control, and emergency response systems are essential for safeguarding public health and preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
MHEN encourages all Malawians to remain alert, follow public health guidance, and support national efforts aimed at preventing Ebola, Cholera, and other disease outbreaks. Together, we can build a healthier, safer, and more resilient Malawi. - Photos by Moses Ngoma of MHEN and Wendy Mkandawire of The AfricaBrief
