Malawi's worsening cholera crisis is the result of long-term neglect of the country's water supplies and water testing urgently needed, specialists say.

Malawi has been dealing with a cholera outbreak since March 2022 with 26,263 confirmed cases in 27 districts and 852 deaths as of this week (16 January), according to an update from the country's Ministry of Health.

Cholera is a water-borne disease caused by a bacterium Vibrio cholerae, which propagates due to poor maintenance of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) systems.

It results in watery diarrhea and vomiting, and can lead to severe dehydration, kidney injury or death.