The article discusses a resurgence of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) in Malawi, despite the WHO African Region being declared wild polio-free in August 2020. Dr Modjirom Ndoutabe, Polio Rapid Response Team Coordinator at WHO AFRO, details the challenges faced in combating the virus, which has also been found in Mozambique. The virus strain in Malawi was linked to a Pakistani strain from 2019. The response included a massive vaccination campaign, with challenges such as community resistance and difficult geography. The article highlights the dedication of health workers and the importance of consistent, sustainable routine immunization to prevent the spread of polio. It also emphasizes the global nature of the threat, as polio anywhere is a threat to children everywhere.

Malawi is experiencing an unusual winter cholera outbreak, with 40 deaths and 857 cases reported by the Ministry of Health as of 13 July. The outbreak's persistence is partly due to damage from tropical storms and climate change effects, as explained by Prof Adamson Muula from Kamuzu University of Health Sciences. The Ministry of Health and local officials like Adrian Chikumbe and Penjani Chunda discuss the challenges of water safety, sanitation, and vaccination efforts. A vaccination campaign was launched in May 2022 with support from WHO, Gavi, and UNICEF, targeting 1.9 million people. Despite these efforts, the fatality rate is concerning, with a national average of 4.77 percent. Community leaders and WHO representatives emphasize the need for better water and sanitation to prevent such diseases.

Esmie Mwanga, a resident of Bangwe Ntopwa in Blantyre, Malawi, sought cholera vaccination for her family amidst a severe outbreak that has claimed lives in her community. Malawi, facing a cholera epidemic since March 2022, has seen rising cases and deaths, prompting a second round of vaccinations after an initial campaign in May. The country received 2.9 million doses from the Gavi-supported Global Oral Cholera Vaccine Stockpile. High demand for vaccines in hard-hit districts has led to a strategic pivot in the vaccination campaign. The outbreak, exacerbated by the rainy season, has also affected the education sector, with school openings delayed to implement water, sanitation, and hygiene assessments. The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education are encouraging vaccinations for children, while UNICEF emphasizes the threat to children's health and wellbeing.

The article discusses the unintended consequences of prolonged school closures in Malawi due to the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting a significant increase in teenage pregnancies and early marriages. With schools shut since March, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology reports 18,000 teen pregnancies among primary school learners and 3,931 among secondary school learners. NGOs and community activists express concern over the neglect of youth sexual reproductive health. The article features comments from various stakeholders, including NGO representatives, youth network chairpersons, traditional leaders, and government officials, who emphasize the need for a multi-sectoral approach to address these issues. The Ministry of Health has noted a decline in young people accessing sexual reproductive health services, and the Minister of Gender is working with traditional leaders to dissolve child marriages and ensure girls return to school.

The article discusses the challenges faced by health workers in Malawi, particularly in the Mulanje district, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a concurrent cholera outbreak. Health Surveillance Assistant Sosten Kalumo and IDSR worker Masilina Msamanyada describe being over-stretched, working beyond regular hours, and dealing with vaccine hesitancy. The country has been fighting cholera for 50 years, with the current outbreak lasting over a year. The Ministry of Health, with support from Gavi and other partners, is rolling out oral cholera vaccines. Malawi also received additional cholera vaccination doses from the ICG. The article highlights the impact of Tropical Cyclone Freddy on health and sanitation, the importance of routine immunization, and the efforts to combat misinformation and rebuild trust in vaccines. Health experts like Dr Mike Chisema and Maziko Matemba emphasize the need for community engagement and education to improve vaccine uptake.

The article discusses the impact of Cyclone Freddy on the Chabvala Health Centre in Malawi, which disrupted routine immunisation due to damage to the facility's infrastructure, including the loss of its only fridge. The clinic, already difficult to access, faced further challenges with vaccine supply and maintaining the cold chain necessary for vaccine potency. However, the introduction of a solar-powered fridge has improved the situation, ensuring vaccine safety and uninterrupted immunisation services. UNICEF has been installing solar-powered fridges across Malawi since October 2021, with over 450 fridges installed to date. The article also touches on the broader issue of climate change and its increasing impact on Malawi, as noted by climate change expert Dr. Barbara Ntapala. The solarisation of health facilities is seen as a resilient solution to maintaining vaccine cold chains amid power outages and natural disasters.

The article by Josephine Chinele focuses on the challenges faced by survivors of child sexual abuse in Malawi in accessing justice. It narrates the story of a woman, Chiyanjano, whose husband was convicted of sexually abusing their nine-year-old daughter. Despite the husband's 21-year jail sentence, Chiyanjano faces harassment from her in-laws and fears for her safety as her husband continues to contact her from prison. The article also touches on societal pressures that lead to the concealment of sexual abuse, the reluctance of authorities to act, and the inefficiencies in the reporting process. The national police spokesperson, Peter Kalaya, acknowledges the widespread issue and the harassment faced by complainants. Maggie Kathewera-Banda from the Women’s Legal Resource Centre advocates for societal change and the prosecution of those who conceal such crimes. The article calls for improved reporting mechanisms and financial support for survivors.

The article discusses the COVID-19 vaccination programme in Malawi, which began in March 2021, focusing on frontline health workers. With 83% of this group now vaccinated, there is a sense of relief among them. Memory Ngwira, a senior Nursing Officer at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH), shares her harrowing experiences during the pandemic's peak and how the vaccine has brought comfort. Despite the success, there are still concerns about vaccine hesitancy among health workers. Dr. Samson Mndolo, QECH Hospital Director, mentions efforts to educate and encourage vaccination among staff. Health expert Prof. Maureen Chirwa emphasizes the need for continued health education for the remaining unvaccinated health workers. Ministry of Health spokesperson Adrian Chikumbe acknowledges the effectiveness of the vaccine, noting that most patients who died from COVID-19 were unvaccinated, but stresses that vaccination remains voluntary.

The article discusses the exceptional work of public servants in various African countries who provide effective services despite systemic corruption and mismanagement. In Malawi, nurse Immaculate Chamangwana improved the Zomba Mental Hospital by advocating for more funding and implementing standards for accountability. In Nigeria, Adedamola Dada transformed the Federal Medical Centre Ebute-Metta with better management practices. Ghana's State Transport Company was revived by Nana Akomea, who focused on customer service. Uganda's driver's license office saw improvements ordered by President Museveni, with efficient processes and no bribery. Lastly, in Kenya, Governor Muthomi Njuki supported health volunteers and emergency services, leading to a more effective public service. The article highlights the lack of political will to replicate these successes and the challenges faced by good civil servants. It is part of a transnational investigation by ZAM Magazine into effective public service in Africa.

The article discusses the world's first malaria vaccine program, piloted in Malawi, Kenya, and Ghana since 2019, with over a million children vaccinated. Faith Mwafulirwa's child, who received the vaccine, has not been hospitalized for malaria, unlike her other children at the same age. Malawi's Ministry of Health reports that malaria is the leading cause of death in the country. The vaccine, RTS,S, developed by GlaxoSmithKline in partnership with PATH and supported by Gavi, has been recommended by the WHO. Despite its lower efficacy, it is seen as a crucial preventive measure. The article also mentions the 'Zero Malaria Starts with Me' campaign launched by Malawi's president, aiming for a malaria-free Africa by 2030.