Health authorities respond swiftly as Lilongwe confirms Two cases

By Collins Mtika

Malawi’s Ministry of Health has confirmed two cases of Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) in Lilongwe District, triggering an urgent public health response and regional cooperation to prevent further spread.

The reemergence of this high-risk zoonotic disease has raised concern due to its potential for rapid transmission and serious impact on vulnerable populations.

In a statement released on April 17, 2025, Secretary for Health Dr. Samson Mndolo said the first suspected case was identified at Bwaila Hospital on March 20, followed by a second case on April 9. Laboratory tests conducted at the National Reference Laboratory in Lilongwe confirmed both infections as Mpox on April 16.

Authorities have urged the public not to panic, assuring that containment measures are in place and the situation is being closely monitored. Community members are encouraged to report any suspected cases to the nearest health facility to help contain the outbreak.

Mpox is a viral disease that originates in animals but can spread between humans, especially through close physical contact. Common symptoms include fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets, contact with bodily fluids or skin lesions, and contaminated objects.

High-risk groups include children, pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals, and people with multiple sexual partners. There is currently no specific treatment for Mpox; care focuses on relieving symptoms such as fever, pain, and skin lesions.

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has repeatedly warned about the increasing public health threat posed by Mpox. A 2023 bulletin noted a rise in outbreaks, especially in areas with limited healthcare infrastructure and weak disease surveillance systems.

Africa CDC is now working with Malawi’s Ministry of Health as part of a wider continental strategy focused on early detection, rapid response, and clear public communication.

The agency, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is offering technical support, lab resources, and training for frontline healthcare workers.

The current outbreak reinforces Africa CDC’s longstanding concerns. In 2022, the agency launched a continent-wide Mpox preparedness plan, calling on African countries to strengthen disease monitoring, improve diagnostics, and raise public awareness.

Malawi’s collaboration with Africa CDC highlights the importance of regional cooperation in tackling emerging health threats.

Dr. Mndolo emphasized the role of behavioral measures in limiting the virus’s spread. These include:

  • Avoiding close or skin-to-skin contact with suspected or confirmed cases
  • Practicing regular hand hygiene
  • Using condoms during sexual activity, as sexual transmission has been reported in recent outbreaks

The Ministry is also working with the Lilongwe District Council and international partners to step up public education, improve case tracking, and ensure timely medical care for those affected.

Although Mpox is less contagious than COVID-19, the pandemic showed how fast infectious diseases can escalate.

Malawi’s proactive approach—driven by regional coordination and international support—reflects key lessons from recent global health crises: the importance of vigilance, transparency, and community involvement.

As officials continue contact tracing and monitoring of suspected cases, the confirmed infections are a reminder of how connected global health systems are. Public cooperation is crucial—not just as a safety measure, but as a shared responsibility.

With early intervention and strong support from regional and global partners, Malawi has a key opportunity to contain the outbreak.

However, the situation also underscores the urgent need to invest in long-term public health infrastructure and disease surveillance to protect against future threats.