Addressing COVID-19 in Malawi

Introduction: COVID-19 is a global public health threat that Africa faces including the country Malawi. With an already burdened health system and an economically challenged population due to the poverty level, Malawi is suddenly faced by a pandemic that will test the country’s healthcare systems. Its government has already instituted an array of initiatives and plans and funding efforts toward the effective containment of the pandemic. Some of these efforts include reorientation and training for health workers, securing funding to procure and distribute needed personal protective equipment, medicine supply, health promotion, surveillance and case management. These efforts are being done in the context of an already heavy burden of diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malnutrition and poor health literacy. Whether efforts of the government and other stakeholders are enough, these remain to be seen in containing the virus and its aftermath. Until an effective treatment or vaccine is available, Malawi has to remain vigilant and needs to continue all its efforts to address its COVID-19 epidemic.