Schools Reopen In Malawi After Cholera Outbreak

Primary and secondary schools in Malawi reopened on Tuesday in the country's two largest cities following a deadly cholera outbreak that claimed hundreds of lives.

The capital, Lilongwe, and the business area, Blantyre, both had schools suspended for at least two weeks following the Christmas holiday.

The cholera outbreak, which began in March of last year, has already claimed the lives of over 750 people.

The rates of infection are still high in Lilongwe and Blantyre.

However, schools now have access to safe water and better sanitation systems, according to Health Minister Khumbize Chiponda, which will help to significantly lower the number of diseases reported in schools.

The minister expressed optimism that infections in schools will decline as a result of better sanitary conditions.

Malawi remains one of the 31 nations most severely affected by cholera. 

The administration requested outside help last week because it was running low on medical supplies.

The aftermath of tropical storm Ana and cyclone Gombe, which last year produced catastrophic floods and destroyed the country's water and sanitation systems, has resulted in several cases of cholera in the country.