Collaborating with the People of Malawi to Prevent Cholera Outbreaks
The 2023 cholera crisis in Malawi is an unexpected development in a country that managed to eradicate the disease. The sudden outbreak that had already caused over 900 dead and 28,000 new recorded cases, with the mortality rate three times higher than normal, despite vaccination efforts (Matonga & Eligon, 2023). Responding to the challenge will require an understanding of the problem as well as combined efforts of authorities and the local population.
Working with people of Malawi to limit the outbreak is of crucial importance. First, a massive information campaign has to be undertaken, for them to understand what cholera is and how it works (De Waal, 2021). I would inform them of how to diagnose cholera, what to do to prevent it, and what steps to take should it be discovered. Rehydration and mineral intake are necessary to reduce the number of deaths among the infected.
Understanding the Cause of “Rice Water Stools” in Cholera Patients
The primary symptom of cholera is diarrhea, which has the color of rice water. The reason for the strange color of the stool is that the bacteria forces the intestinal walls to release fluids and electrolytes (De Waal, 2021). Individuals can lose up to 1 liter of water an hour when exposed to cholera, which needs to be restored via special rehydration solutions.
Effective Strategies for Treating a Cholera Outbreak in Malawi
If I were to treat the outbreak in Malawi, I would focus on the three necessary components to help prevent the disease. By enabling people to understand and diagnose the disease themselves, I would be able to reduce the number of infections and re-infections. The morbidity of the disease would also decrease. At the same time, I would provide clean water to vulnerable communities and limit exposure to unclean water sources (De Waal, 2021). Finally, I would treat the individuals with cholera with the purpose of saving lives.
The Historical Impact of Cholera on the World
Cholera is a devastating disease that has taken many lives throughout the history of humankind. Many nations and religions saw it as a supernatural force brought down upon the sinful. Nowadays, we understand how it works and know how to prevent it. The world should help Malawi defeat the disease and eradicate it for good. Doing so would make the world safer and a better place for everyone.
Reference
De Waal, A. (2021). New pandemics, old politics: Two hundred years of war on disease and its alternatives. John Wiley & Sons.
Matonga, G., & Eligon, J. (2023). In a nation that nearly wiped out cholera, the disease is surging back. The New York Times. Web.
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