Mpox, declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in August 2024, has continued to pose challenges in several African countries, including Malawi. The country reported its first case on 16 April 2025, followed by an outbreak declaration a day later. By mid-July, 59 confirmed cases had been recorded, mostly in Lilongwe and Mangochi districts. One of the earliest suspected cases was that of a two-year-old boy from Mangochi, who showed symptoms despite no travel history or known exposure. His case was later confirmed as mpox, sparking immediate community-level interventions.
With no formal isolation facilities, the case had to be managed at home, which required full community cooperation. Health workers, including Health Surveillance Assistants, mobilized villagers to adopt preventive practices such as avoiding shared clothing, limiting gatherings, and improving hygiene. Community leaders and local committees quickly organized awareness campaigns, going door-to-door to educate families about mpox prevention while emphasizing non-discrimination toward affected households. This joint approach ensured that the family was supported and no additional cases emerged in the village.
The World Health Organization and other partners later visited to learn from this local success. Health workers stressed the importance of collaboration between clinics, hospitals, and community members. However, they also highlighted challenges in spreading information more widely, noting the need for tools like posters, radio programs, and community dramas to reach broader audiences.
District authorities in Mangochi acted swiftly by activating an emergency response system, assigning clear roles across surveillance, case management, and health promotion. Teams conducted contact tracing, monitored patients at home, and worked with local radio to share accurate information and answer community questions. This coordinated response was reinforced through training health workers in surveillance and case management, along with after-action reviews to strengthen preparedness.
So far, Mangochi has reported three confirmed cases and Malawi overall has recorded no mpox-related deaths. The Mangochi experience demonstrates that when health workers, local leaders, and communities act together, mpox can be contained effectively. It highlights that the disease is both preventable and curable, provided there is unity, awareness, and timely action.
