President Dr Lazarus Chakwera on Monday apologised to all health workers in the country over the recent workplace violence in health care settings.

Speaking Monday when he toured Area 25 health facility, during the official launch of the Cholera campaign, President Chakwera said he understands the fear that has gripped health workers in the country because of the recent attacks by community members in Balaka and Lilongwe respectively.

“I commend health workers for their resilience to serve communities despite numerous challenges. No one would be comfortable to work in a threatened work place environment but because they took an oath they still work to serve communities.

“I am apologising, on behalf of Malawians, for the attacks and I seriously condemn the acts,” he said.

President Chakwera said the cholera campaign will see many activities being implemented aimed at eradicating the outbreak.

He said government has, since the onset of the outbreak, been doing a lot and stakeholders have stepped in to contain the spread of the disease but still cases are rising.

United Nations representative, Rabecca Adah Donto commended efforts being done so far by different stakeholders through their generous contributions towards ending Cholera.

However, she said, despite all the efforts the situation remains a great concern hence the need for rapid response to help reduce the cases.

“This campaign is more critical, and we should aim to reach far communities and encourage people to seek health care on time. There is a huge corrective task ahead of us, therefore, we should not do business as usual,” said Donto.

The cumulative cases since the onset of the outbreak is 42, 427 and 1, 384 have been reported dead with Mangochi, Lilongwe, Blantyre, Salima and Balaka heavily affected.

Story by Mana