NPHL, Lilongwe, Malawi – May 15th, 2025. by Moses Nyambalo Phiri in collaboration with Happy Abraham Manda, Mr. Henry Limula and Settie Kanyanda.
The World Health Organisation (WHO), with support from UK Aid (UKAID), has made a significant donation delivery of essential laboratory items to the National Public Health Laboratories (NPHL) to the National Public Health Laboratory, PHIM. This timely contribution will aid Malawi’s capacity to monitor and respond to various public health threats, including the ongoing Mpox outbreak
The NPHRL plays a pivotal role in Malawi’s health surveillance systems, tracking a range of diseases. Currently, a key focus is the surveillance of Mpox, a viral disease that has affected several African nations, with Malawi reporting six confirmed cases by May 15th, 2025.
NPHL receiving the donations.
To ensure the safety of frontline health workers during critical activities such as outbreak investigations, sample collection, and the implementation of control measures, the WHO generously donated Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs). The consignment included vital items such as gloves, aprons, and gumboots.
THE WHO and NPHL Team
Receiving the donations on behalf of the NPHRL, Mr. Joseph Bitilinyu Bangoh expressed his sincere appreciation to the WHO for their prompt response citing the current response activities NPHL – PHIM is undertaking to contain Mpox. He further acknowledged the WHO’s consistent support to PHIM during the Mpox pandemic and in the surveillance of other significant diseases, including conjunctivitis, cholera, and influenza.
He earnestly appealed to the WHO to maintain their invaluable assistance, even in the face of potential financial constraints affecting international organizations. Dr. Nelly Yatich, representing the WHO during the donation, warmly assured the PHIM staff of the WHO’s unwavering commitment to supporting Malawi, particularly during health crises like the current Mpox outbreaks. She emphasized the WHO’s proactive approach in providing the necessary equipment swiftly to aid in the effective management of Mpox cases.
Mr. Ishmael Bashir, Second from left.
During the event, Mr. Bangoh also formally welcomed Mr. Ishmael Bashir, a resident delegated from the (WHO) to work at PHIM, NPHRL. He reiterated his gratitude to the WHO for this additional support, highlighting that Mr. Bashir’s presence will provide valuable insight into Malawi’s needs and facilitate targeted assistance.
This has indicated the robust collaboration that exists between the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Public Health Institute of Malawi (PHIM). Their joint efforts are crucial for enhancing Malawi’s public health systems and protecting its citizens. This partnership is expected to continue with future collaborations.
Special Thanks to:
Mr. Happy Abraham Manda, Content Creator, NPHL
Mr Henry Stanley Limula, Content Reviewer, NPHL
Mr. Settiel Kanyanda, Content Reviewer, PHIM
Special recognition is given to the contributors whose efforts brought this content to fruition.
National Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC), Lilongwe, Malawi, 2025. by Moses Nyambalo Phiri in collaboration with Grace Funsani, Noel Khunga, Chriswell Nkoloma and Settie Kanyanda.
Malawi has recorded another confirmed case of Mpox, bringing the total number of laboratory-confirmed cases to 60 – The latest case, confirmed on July 24, 2025, is a 7-year-old male school learner from the Karonga district.
According to the Mpox Spot Report (Issue: 33) published by the Public Health Institute of Malawi (PHIM) on July 25, 2025, the young patient reported to Kaporo rural hospital on July 22, 2025. He presented with symptoms including muscle pain, headache, and a skin rash, with no reported underlying conditions.
Samples were collected on the same day, and laboratory testing confirmed Mpox infection two days later. The case has no travel history outside of Malawi. In response to the new case, district authorities have taken immediate action. Samples (swabs from blisters) were collected and sent for laboratory testing. The District Rapid Response Team (DRRT) has also initiated plans to conduct contact tracing, case follow-up, and further investigation.
Deaths
Malawi Mpox Outbreak
From April 17 up to mid July…
Current Status and Geographic Spread:
The latest situation report, released by the Public Health Institute of Malawi (PHIM) under the Ministry of Health, indicates three new cases have been recorded since July 7, 2025. Of the 50 confirmed cases, 32 are males and 18 are females, with ages ranging from 2 to 57 years.
Lilongwe remains the most affected district with 40 confirmed cases, followed by Blantyre (3), Mangochi (2), Salima (2), Ntcheu (1), Likoma (1), and Nkhatabay (1). While 28 out of 29 districts have reported at least one suspected Mpox case, confirmed cases are concentrated in these seven areas.
Patient Outcomes and Contact Tracing:
Encouragingly, 36 individuals have been discharged from care after recovering, including 29 from Lilongwe, two each from Salima and Mangochi, and one each from Ntcheu, Likoma, and Blantyre.
Currently, 12 confirmed cases remain under clinical care: two in hospital isolation in Lilongwe, and ten under home isolation (seven in Lilongwe, two in Blantyre, and one in Nkhatabay). Two cases from Lilongwe have been classified as lost-to-follow-up due to difficulties in tracing.
Extensive contact tracing efforts by Rapid Response Teams (RRT) have identified 643 contacts. Of these, 637 have successfully completed their 21-day monitoring period without developing symptoms and have been discharged. Six contacts (four in Lilongwe and two in Blantyre) are still under active monitoring. Notably, five of the total traced contacts later tested positive for Mpox.
“One Health Approach” – Comprehensive Public Health Response:
The Ministry of Health, through PHIM, has implemented a multi-faceted response strategy, including:
Coordination: Activation of the Incident Management System (IMS) and development of a costed Mpox Incident Action Plan (IAP).
Laboratory: PCR testing of samples, genomic sequencing of MPXV, training of lab personnel, establishment of a molecular lab in Mzuzu Central Hospital, and distribution of viral transport media (VTM).
WASH & IPC: Development of training materials and IPC guidelines, IPC orientation in high-risk districts, adaptation of WHO rapid IPC/WASH assessment checklist, and construction of temporary latrines and bathing shelters at holding areas.
Risk Communication, Community Engagement & Social Mobilization (RCCE): Dissemination of messages in local languages (Chichewa, Tumbuka, Swahili, English) through various media, orientation of Chipatala Cha Pa Foni staff, and community engagements in affected areas.
Training: Extensive training of healthcare workers (297 trained across all 29 districts and 4 Central Hospitals), orientation of non-human health technical staff, and cascaded training down to health facility levels.
Surveillance: Deployment of RRTs for detailed investigations and contact tracing, enhanced surveillance at community, facility, and Points of Entry (PoE) levels, daily contact follow-up, and dissemination of case definitions and reporting tools.
Case Management: Development and distribution of case management guidelines, identification of isolation facilities, training of health workers, and development of home-based care protocols.
Logistics: Distribution of essential medicines and PPEs, and setup of treatment units at Kamuzu Central Hospital and Bwaila Hospital.
Points of Entry (PoE): Intensified surveillance and awareness campaigns for travelers at all PoEs.
Vaccination: The PMRA has approved the use of the MVA-BN vaccine, following MAITAG’s recommendation. Country vaccine request and budget development are underway.
Challenges and Recommendations:
Despite these efforts, challenges persist, including difficulties in contact tracing due to client non-disclosure, movement of suspected cases before lab results, suboptimal active case search, incomplete data capturing, inadequate laboratory and IPC supplies, and low global stockpiles of Mpox vaccines.
PHIM recommends continued resource mobilization, cascaded training for healthcare workers, orientation of coordination structures, surveillance data reviews, engagement of key stakeholders in contact tracing, continued screening at Dzaleka refugee camp, fast-tracking lab reagent orders, and rapid IPC/WASH assessments in remaining health facilities and private clinics.
“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.
Vincent Kamforzi, Data Manager – “The affected districts are Lilongwe, Mangochi, Ntcheu, Salima, Likoma, and NkhataBay.”
What response activities have so far been undertaken ?
Cases
Malawi Mpox Outbreak
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
Mpox Suspect in Lilongwe
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.
Chitipa -Mpox District Training 7/May/2025.
2. Case Management.
Case management guidelines have been developed and distributed, and isolation facilities have been identified.
Kamuzu Central Hospital – Toilets Supported by Amref
Kamuzu Central Hospital – Isolation Unit Supported by WHO
Kamuzu Central Hospital – Toilets Supported by Amref
3. Labolatory.
Samples from suspected cases are being tested using PCR, and genomic sequencing of the Mpox virus is underway.
Mpox sample testing in the national laboratory
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.
Amarylis Hotel – Blantyre, Malawi – March 26th, 2025. by Moses Nyambalo Phiri and Settie Kanyanda
The Public Health Institute of Malawi (PHIM) has successfully executed a nationwide dissemination initiative, distributing critical strategic documents aimed at reinforcing the nation’s capacity to prepare for and respond to public health emergencies.
PHIM disseminated the newly developed National Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) Handbook, the Malawi Multi-sector Cholera Control Plan, the PHIM Strategic Plan, Priority Areas for Multi-Sectoral Interventions (PAMI) Booklet, National Public Health Research Strategic Plan, and the Malawi Multi-Hazard Emergency Response Plan among others. These documents represent a significant advancement in Malawi’s public health infrastructure, providing essential frameworks for coordinated and effective emergency response.
This comprehensive Multi-Sectoral and Multi-Disciplinary effort as it was during the development is as the same with during dissemination highlighting Malawi’s commitment to proactive public health management.
The development of these documents involved extensive collaboration with various stakeholders, acknowledging the intricate and multisectoral nature of public health emergencies.
The PHEOC Handbook, in particular, serves as a cornerstone for our emergency response efforts. It equips our national and district teams with the necessary guidelines to ensure timely and adequate responses to public health crises. By aligning our efforts through these strategic documents, we are significantly enhancing our national resilience and promoting a unified approach to safeguarding the health of all Malawians.
This collaborative process ensured that the resulting resources are comprehensive, practical, and tailored to Malawi’s specific needs. PHIM focused on in-depth discussions with stakeholders present ensuring that all are thoroughly familiar with the content of the disseminated documents and their respective roles in emergency response protocols. Key emphasis was placed on the importance of interagency collaboration and coordinated action, recognizing that effective public health crisis management requires a cohesive and unified approach as emphasized by Dr. Evelyn Chitsa Banda, Deputy Director of PHIM responsible for the National Public Health Research and Development during the dissemination in Blantyre.
By equipping national and district officers with these vital documents and knowledge, PHIM is taking a decisive step towards building a robust, responsive, and resilient public health system in Malawi. This initiative signifies a strong commitment to proactive public health management and the protection of not only citizens of Malawi, but every person living in Malawi.
The dissemination events, held concurrently in Zomba in the south, Mponela in the center, and Mzuzu in the north, facilitated in-depth discussions and training sessions for a diverse group of stakeholders. Participants included representatives, from relevant ministries, agencies, and departments nationwide like, Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DODMA) the Malawi Defense Force, The Ministry of Agriculture (Animal Health) and The Malawi Police, reflecting the multisectoral and multidisciplinary approach integral to effective public health management.
Mzuzu, Mzimba-North
Mponela, Dowa.
Mponela, Dowa.
Zomba
Blantyre
By equipping national and district officers with these vital documents and knowledge, PHIM is taking a decisive step towards building a robust, responsive, and resilient public health system in Malawi.
