The World Health Organization (WHO) says it remains committed to supporting Malawi in the fight against zoonotic diseases, which are illnesses transmitted from animals to humans.
WHO Country Representative, Neema Kimambo, made the call in Lilongwe during the National Bridging Workshop, urging the government and stakeholders to work together to strengthen preparedness and response systems. She commended Malawi for adopting the One Health approach, which combines human, animal, and environmental health to prevent and manage such diseases.
Chief of Health Services-Reforms, Dr. Martial Joshua, stressed that most emerging infectious diseases come from animals, warning Malawians to avoid eating unexamined meat. He called on all sectors to unite in tackling threats like coronavirus and HIV, which also have animal origins.
The workshop brought together representatives from organizations such as US CDC, UNICEF, FAO, WHO, FCDO, and the Malawi Red Cross Society, all working to find solutions to prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases.
(By Andrew Kazonda)