MPOX – Malawi Situation.
by
Moses Nyambalo Phiri in collaboration with Grace Funsani, Noel Khunga, Maya Nkoloma and Settie Kanyanda.
As of May 10th, 2025, Malawi is responding to an Mpox outbreak, having confirmed six cases. The Public Health Institute of Malawi (PHIM) is leading a collaborative effort across different sectors to control the virus’s spread.
“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).
A national team has been sent to Chitipa and Karonga districts to lead Mpox training sessions. These sessions will cover topics such as, Mpox Etiology and Virology, Transmission Pathways, Prevention and Control Measures and Cinical Management etc.….Learn More on our next blog.
2. Case Management.
Samples from suspected cases are being tested using PCR, and genomic sequencing of the Mpox virus is underway
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.