UNICEF Malawi COVID-19 Situation Report 13 January

Highlights

• During the reporting period, the country has experienced a second wave with drastically increased infections. In response the President has declared a state of disaster and UNICEF has stepped up its efforts in public health response with continuity of health, education, WASH, nutrition and protection services.
• UNICEF is supporting the revision of the national response plan in light of the COVID-19 second wave.
•  Covid-19 Test Kits Chlorhexidine, Mobile Kits and other supplies valued at USD 629,000, procured by UNICEF on behalf of MOH for the COVID-19 response have arrived in the country. These supplies are pending allocation and distribution to COVID-19 centres.
• UNICEF stepped up efforts in supporting surveillance at all Points of Entry (POEs) including working with government to review the returnee strategy.
• Vaccine deployment plan is well under way with support from WHO, UNICEF and partners. Plans to provide 20% of population (Health Workers, Social workers, over 60 years of age and people with Co morbidities), tentatively to start in April 2021.