STAKEHOLDERS BEMOAN CHILD NEGLECT AS 6,250 CHILDREN ARE AFFECTED BY CHOLERA

By Meclina Chirwa 

It has been established that out of the 21,000 registered cases of cholera, 6,250 are children. This represents about 30 percent of all cases.

Ujama Pamodzi Africa has confirmed this to Timveni.

The organization has therefore urged government to vaccinate all children against Cholera within the acceptable age range.

Communications Officer for the organization, Memory Chisenga, has told Timveni that the current trends are evidence that children have been seriously affected by Cholera.

She said Ujama believes that all children have the right to timely access appropriate health services in line with Article 24 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

In this regard, Chisenga said there is need for effective provision and access to proper health care and treatment to all children affected by Cholera.

In addition, she emphasized the need of intensifying awareness and health education campaigns on Cholera targeting children.

Meanwhile One Step Foundation has accused government of neglecting street-connected children in the fight against Cholera

Executive Director for the organization Moses Mwalabu told Timveni that currently 11 street-connected children have died of Cholera nationwide.

He said it is very unfortunate that street-connected children are denied access to healthcare services whenever they get sick.

Mwalabu also alleged that some dead children are dumped in Lilongwe River because they do not have relatives.

However, spokesperson in the Ministry of Health, Adrian Chikumbe was not available for comment as his phone went unanswered.

In his remarks, health activist George Jobe said there is need to reach out to all groups in the fight against Cholera.