Mpox in Malawi
Mpox, formerly known as Monkeypox, is a viral disease that poses a growing threat in parts of Africa, including Malawi. The difference between chicken pox and Mpox is that Mpox sores are usually larger than sores from chickenpox, and they are deeper in the skin.
Is the Mpox spreading?
On 18 April 2025, the Ministry of Health in Malawi has confirmed 2 cases of Mpox and the figure is likely to rise.
Though it was once considered rare, Mpox is spreading faster than ever, and Malawi’s healthcare system is dangerously under-resourced to respond.
Our organization is working tirelessly to provide life-saving information, protective equipment, and emergency support to communities at risk. But we urgently need funding to scale up these efforts.
We’re asking for your help—right now. With your support, we can equip health workers, distribute public health messaging, and set up rapid response mechanisms before the situation worsens.
What are the symptoms of Mpox?
Mpox causes fever, skin rashes, and in some cases, severe complications. It spreads through close contact with infected people or animals, contaminated materials, and prolonged face-to-face exposure.
Identifying the early signs of Mpox outlined above will help in preparation, preventing the spread and having a better recovery.
Preventing Mpox
Prevention is possible. WHO guidelines on how to avoid Mpox state that good hygiene, avoiding contact with infected individuals or animals, and early medical intervention are key to stopping the spread. But without swift funding and support, we risk seeing Mpox spiral out of control in communities that are already vulnerable.
Please donate today. Together, we can protect lives and prevent an epidemic.
Home treatment for Mpox
The Covid pandemic in Malawi has perhaps taught us that home treatment is the first line of defence, especially in countries like Malawi where the healthcare system is often unable to cope with emergencies of a higher magnitude.
Similarly, the fist consideration should be to isolate the patient to ensure that they do not spread the disease to other members of the family.
- Use antiseptic: Use any antiseptic such as Detoll or Protex to sanitise the surfaces that the patient comes in contact with.
- Bath warm water only: Dilute Epsom salts or baking soda in warm bathing water. Do not use cold water.
- Eat well: Ensure that the patient receives a balanced diet and that fever is treated.
- Don’t scratch the lesions: Scratching will prolong the lesions and could cause secondary infections.
- Allow air circulation: Keep the rash uncovered and dry to allow natural healing.
Mpox frequently asked questions
Here are the frequently asked questions on Mpox that you may find useful:
Mpox deaths in Malawi
The April 2025 Mpox situation report authored by the Public Health Institute of Malawi shows that so far there has been no reported deaths from the outbreak.
Although this is good news, it does not mean that the country is fully prepared to tackle a pandemic. Funding is a major challenge although in some cases, mismanagement of funds is also to blame.
