
MPOX – Malawi Situation.
by
Moses Nyambalo Phiri in collaboration with Grace Funsani, Noel Khunga, Chriswell Nkoloma and Settie Kanyanda.
As of 13th June, 2025, Malawi has reported two new confirmed cases of Mpox, bringing the total number of confirmed infections in the country to 33. The latest cases involve a 6-year-old female child from Mangochi and a 37-year-old male from Lilongwe district. Both individuals presented with common Mpox symptoms including fever, headache, and skin rash. No underlying health conditions were reported in either case. The child from Mangochi reported to a health facility on June 10th, 2025, while the adult male sought medical attention at Bwaila Hospital in Lilongwe on June 12th, 2025. Samples were collected on the same day of their respective health facility visits, and laboratory testing subsequently confirmed Mpox infection.
Health authorities have initiated investigations to determine the possible source of infection for these new cases and are actively tracing contacts to prevent further spread of the virus. Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease that can cause flu-like symptoms and a characteristic rash. While usually mild, it can be more severe in some individuals. The Ministry of Health continues to urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases to the nearest health facility.
“The first case was recorded in Lilongwe district on April 16, 2025. Later additional cases were registered. All the cases are males within the age range of 2 to 38 years: a 30-year-old from Phwetekere- Area 36, a 33-year-old from Kawale 2, 38 year-old from Chilinde, a 35 year-old from Area 36, Kandikole, an 18 year-old from Area 36, Tumbwe, Traditional Authority (TA) Tsabango, Lilongwe district, and a two year-old child from Michesi 1 village, TA Mponda, Mangochi district.Three cases from Lilongwe have recovered and have been discharged from clinical care, while the other three are still under clinical care . No death has been reported.”
Grace Fusani – Mpox Incident Manager, PHIM.
What response activities have so far been undertaken ?
PHIM has activated its Incident Management System (IMS) for Mpox and is working with various sectors, including animal health, civic education, and disaster management, using One Health Approach

1. Surveillance.
Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) have been deployed to conduct contact tracing and investigate cases. Surveillance systems have been enhanced at the community level, health facilities, and points of entry (PoEs).
The district team are being trained on Mpox through a collaborative effort involving Amref Health Africa, the US CDC, and the World Bank, which have provided the necessary resources. Initial training, supported by Amref Health Africa, has been conducted in the Chitipa and Karonga districts. This district level training will be extended to all districts to ensure comprehensive staff preparedness covering critical areas such as Mpox Etiology and Virology, Transmission Pathways, Prevention and Control Measures, and Clinical Management etc.

2. Case Management.
Case management guidelines have been developed and distributed, and isolation facilities have been identified.



3. Labolatory.
Samples from suspected cases are being tested using PCR, and genomic sequencing of the Mpox virus is underway.

Essential medicines and PPEs have been distributed to districts and Messages about Mpox prevention are being disseminated in local languages through various channels, including posters, social media, leaflets, and audio recordings. PHIM is working to address these challenges and will continue to provide updates on the situation.