Editorial Team
Dr. Matthews Kagoli
Mrs. Mtisunge Yelewa
Mr. Austin Zgambo
Mr. Sikhona Chipeta
Mr. James Jere
Mr. Noel Khunga
Weekly IDSR Bulletin
Epidemiological Week 50 (8-14 December, 2025)
Published By
Moses Nyambalo Phiri
Public Health Institute of Malawi
National Surveillance Performance
Completeness
97.9%
↑ Above 80% Target
Timeliness
94.2%
↑ Above 80% Target
Performance Analysis
The national reporting performance for Week 50 has remained exceptionally strong, exceeding the Ministry of Health’s minimum target of 80% for both key indicators. Completeness of reporting reached 97.9%, while timeliness was slightly lower at 94.2%, reflecting a high level of engagement from health facilities across the country. Despite these high averages, specific districts such as Balaka, Nkhotakota, and Nsanje were noted as areas requiring targeted support to improve their reporting speed. Maintaining these rates is essential for the early detection of localized outbreaks and for ensuring that the national One Health Surveillance Platform remains an accurate reflection of the country’s health status.
Weekly Disease Alerts (Excl. Malaria)
Alert Insights
Outside of the massive Malaria burden, Diarrhoea with blood emerged as a major concern with 1,122 cases reported in a single week. Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI) also remain a critical surveillance priority, recording 107 cases and 6 deaths, indicating a significant clinical severity for respiratory pathogens. Other notable alerts included 70 cases of Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) and 23 cases of Typhoid fever, both of which require continuous monitoring for safety and water quality. The consistent reporting of these varied conditions demonstrates the breadth of the IDSR system’s reach and the vigilance of health workers in identifying non-malarial threats.
Malaria Burden Spotlight
Total Weekly Cases
31,502
Total Weekly Deaths
9
Morbidity Analysis
Malaria remains the single most significant cause of morbidity in the Malawian health system, accounting for tens of thousands of cases every week. During Epi-week 50, the 31,502 reported cases highlight the persistent strain that this vector-borne disease places on outpatient departments and community health workers. The reporting of 9 deaths within the week emphasizes that despite widespread treatment availability, Malaria continues to be a fatal threat if not diagnosed and managed early. Public health officials must continue prioritizing the distribution of insecticide-treated nets and ensuring that rapid diagnostic tests are available in even the most remote facilities.
Mpox Status
Epidemiological Status
Malawi recorded 1 new confirmed Mpox case in Week 50, bringing the cumulative total since the start of the outbreak to 15 cases. There were also 19 alerts generated during this period, showing that the surveillance system is actively screening for suspicious symptoms. Fortunately, the majority of cases have been managed through outpatient care, and recovery rates remain high across the affected districts. The persistence of sporadic cases indicates that community transmission is still a risk, necessitating continued public health education on hygiene and early reporting.
EBS Signal Management
Signal Verification
In Week 50, a total of 63 Event-Based Surveillance (EBS) signals were detected through the One Health Surveillance Platform, showcasing a high level of community vigilance. These signals are critical for identifying unusual health events that may not yet fit standard clinical definitions, such as clusters of animal deaths or sudden human illnesses. It is mandatory for District Rapid Response Teams to conduct immediate risk assessments for all signals that are verified as genuine events. Effective management of these signals serves as the nation’s early warning system, allowing for rapid intervention before localized events escalate into full-scale outbreaks.
