The SNP Government is providing £236,000 of International Development funding to target the cholera outbreak currently impacting Malawi.
It will be used to secure much needed supplies of antibiotics, cannulas, oral rehydration salts and water purification tablets.
The cholera outbreak comes as Malawi struggles with the aftermath of Storm Ana in January 2022 and Cyclone Gombe in March 2022, where floods led to the displacement of many people who now lack access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene.
International Development Minister, Neil Gray said:
“Malawi is experiencing its worst cholera outbreak since 2002. It is currently the greatest immediate threat, with more than 700 lives tragically lost since the outbreak began in March 2022.
“We are working closely with the Government of Malawi and UNICEF to ensure much needed medical equipment is procured and available for use as soon as possible.
“As the country enters the rainy season, it is increasingly likely that more flooding will occur and therefore limit access to UNICEF’s WASH programme and further spread the disease.”
Kenneth Gibson MSP added:
“Scotland is a good global citizen and had long had close ties and relationships with Malawi.
“We are committed to supporting those who need it most, particularly during this especially difficult time for Malawi’s people.”
