National News

Absence of isolation centre worries EAM

The Evangelical Association of Malawi (EAM) has described lack of a testing and isolation centre at Songwe Border post in Karonga as a setback in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic in the country.

EAM Health Commission national coordinator Howard Kasiya said this on Friday at Karonga District Hospital when they donated personal protective equipment (PPE) to the district.

Sibale (L) receives the PPE from EAM official Chrispin Mzumara

He said travelling 45 kilometres to Karonga District Hospital for testing poses danger to others as some people who may have the virus use public transport.

Said Kasiya: “Songwe Border Post is a busy spot where people cross to neigbouring Tanzania for business.

“So, it should have a testing and isolation centre with modern laboratory equipment if we are to contain the further spread of the virus.”

He has since appealed to government and stakeholders to construct a makeshift isolation centre with a laboratory for testing people at the border post.

In response, Karonga District director of health and social services David Sibale said they lack resources to construct an isolation and testing centre at Songwe Border Post.

“However, we have appealed to well-wishers for the initiative because the idea to construct an isolation and testing centre is good,” he said. 

Sibale also commended EAM for supporting the district with the PPE.

“Regrettably, some people in the district do not believe in the existence of the pandemic as they think health workers are just cooking up the figures,” he said.

So far, officials at the border post just offer screening services to those travelling to Tanzania or  entering the country.

Christian Aid supported EAM with the PPE worth K6 million.

Related Articles

Back to top button