Diarrhoea outbreaks among flood survivors (Malawi)

The emergency of cyclones has disrupted access to clean water and sanitation facilities, exacerbating the risk of cholera outbreaks in most districts in Malawi. This study aimed at exploring the risk factors of diarrhoeal outbreak in households of flood survivors in Chikwawa District in Malawi, Traditional Authority Makhwira. It was a cross- sectional study and both quantitative and qualitative methods were used for data collection. The study surveyed 256 households of flood survivors and five key informants by the use of structured questionnaire and interview guide. The collected data was analysed using SPSS version 25 and MS Excel 2013. The results showed that 135 (53%) had pit latrines and 121 (47%) did not have pit latrines. Those with pit latrines, 97 (60%) were sharing with neighbours and those households without pit latrines 107 (79%) had their pit latrines destroyed by cyclones. 237 (92%) households collected water from hand-pump sources. Of these 162 (63%) households indicated that they did not treat drinking water. There was lack of water storage materials, long distance to water sources, lack of pit latrine construction materials and lack of hand washing facilities. This study concluded that lack of pit latrines and hand washing facilities among households of flood survivors could potentially put them at risk of diarrhoeal outbreak. The study recommended Government through the ministry of health to develop interventions that would prevent diarrhoeal outbreak in households of flood survivors.