Malawi schools reopen after deadly cholera outbreak

Learning in primary and secondary schools resumes on Tuesday in Malawi's two major cities following a cholera outbreak that killed hundreds of people.

Schools in the capital, Lilongwe, and the commercial hub, Blantyre, had remained closed for at least two weeks after the Christmas holidays.

The cholera outbreak began in March last year and has so far killed more than 750 people.

Infections are still high in Lilongwe and Blantyre.

Health Minister Khumbize Chiponda said schools now have access to safe water and improved sanitation facilities, which will go a long way in reducing infections reported in schools.

The minister was optimistic that infections in schools would reduce due to improved sanitation facilities.

Malawi is among 31 countries globally hardest hit by cholera.

Last week, the government asked for international assistance as it was running low on medical supplies.

The widespread cases of cholera in the country are as a result of the aftermath of tropical storm Ana and cyclone Gombe that caused extensive flooding last year and destroyed the country's water and sanitation systems.