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The '''2023–2024 Zambian cholera outbreak''' is currently one of the most severe health crises in the country's recent history, with its origins traced back to January 2023.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Rédaction |first=Africanews |date=2024-01-14 |title=Zambia: Health authorites rallying to contain worst cholera outbreak in a decade |url=https://www.africanews.com/2024/01/14/zambia-health-authorites-rallying-to-contain-worst-cholera-outbreak-in-a-decade/ |access-date=2024-01-16 |website=Africanews |language=en}}</ref> The outbreak initially surfaced in [[Vubwi District]] in the [[Eastern Province, Zambia|Eastern Province]] and [[Mwansabombwe District]] in [[Luapula Province]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cholera Threatens Lives of Children and their Families in Parts of Zambia {{!}} UNICEF Zambia |url=https://www.unicef.org/zambia/stories/cholera-threatens-lives-zambia |access-date=2024-01-12 |website=www.unicef.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mfula |first=Chris |date=December 14, 2023 |title=PRESS STATEMENT ON THE CHOLERA OUTBREAK IN ZAMBIA |url=https://www.moh.gov.zm/?p=3457 |access-date=12 January 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Zambia appeals for support in cholera response as cases surge-Xinhua |url=https://english.news.cn/20240110/b05d38aca7e9490a9238a3e88f682453/c.html |access-date=2024-01-12 |website=english.news.cn}}</ref> By October 2023, the Zambia National Public Health Institute reported a cholera outbreak in the capital, [[Lusaka]].<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Mensah |first=Ebenezer |date=2024-01-05 |title=Zambia Extends School Closures Amidst Cholera Outbreak |url=https://bnnbreaking.com/breaking-news/health/zambia-extends-school-closures-amidst-cholera-outbreak/ |access-date=2024-01-12 |website=BNN Breaking |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Zambia |first=U. S. Mission |date=2024-01-16 |title=Health Alert: Cholera Outbreak (January 12, 2024) |url=https://zm.usembassy.gov/health-alert-cholera-outbreak/ |access-date=2024-01-17 |website=U.S. Embassy in Zambia |language=en-US}}</ref> As of 2 January 2024, Zambia had 3,757 confirmed cases and 128 deaths.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2024-01-08 |title=Zambia Postpones School Opening After Cholera Outbreak |url=https://www.voaafrica.com/a/zambia-postpones-school-opening-after-cholera-outbreak/7430590.html |access-date=2024-01-12 |website=Voice of America |language=en}}</ref> Cholera cases have so far broken out in 15 districts in five out of the country’s [[Provinces of Zambia|10 provinces]], with Lusaka, the country’s capital recording the highest number of cases.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-03 |title=Zambia’s cholera cases reach over 4,000 - CAJ News Africa |url=https://www.cajnewsafrica.com/2024/01/03/zambias-cholera-cases-reach-over-4000/ |access-date=2024-01-16 |language=en-US}}</ref> Of particular concern is the rapid progression of the outbreak within Lusaka, where, within a week, the Ministry of Health reported a surge of 71.2% in cases and a staggering 175% increase in fatalities.<ref>{{Cite web |title=As cholera cases continue to rise in parts of Southern Africa, UNICEF calls for increased focus on children in the cholera response |url=https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/cholera-cases-continue-rise-parts-southern-africa-unicef-calls-increased-focus |access-date=2024-01-17 |website=www.unicef.org |language=en}}</ref> Partners affiliated with DG ECHO actively collaborate with the Ministry of Health, providing crucial support in various capacities. Initiatives include community sensitization and risk communication, distribution and control of chlorine at critical water points, contact tracing, and the management of oral rehydration points within Lusaka.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Zambia: Elevated cholera activity reported in multiple areas through early January /update 2 |url=https://crisis24.garda.com/alerts/2024/01/zambia-elevated-cholera-activity-reported-in-multiple-areas-through-early-january-update-2 |access-date=2024-01-16 |website=Zambia: Elevated cholera activity reported in multiple areas through early January /update 2 {{!}} Crisis24 |language=en}}</ref> There is an urgent imperative to intensify community engagement and bolster the supply of safe water in affected areas, coupled with continuous monitoring of water quality.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-04 |title=Zambia – Cholera outbreak (DG ECHO, Zambia National Public Health Institute, DG ECHO partners) (ECHO Daily Flash of 04 January 2024) - Zambia {{!}} ReliefWeb |url=https://reliefweb.int/report/zambia/zambia-cholera-outbreak-dg-echo-zambia-national-public-health-institute-dg-echo-partners-echo-daily-flash-04-january-2024 |access-date=2024-01-12 |website=reliefweb.int |language=en}}</ref>
The '''2023–2024 Zambian cholera outbreak''' is currently one of the most severe health crises in the country's recent history,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Scramble to contain a cholera crisis in Zambia |url=https://news.sky.com/story/zambia-cholera-outbreak-families-face-desperate-wait-to-find-out-if-loved-ones-are-dead-or-alive-13047959 |access-date=2024-01-17 |website=Sky News |language=en}}</ref> with its origins traced back to January 2023.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Rédaction |first=Africanews |date=2024-01-14 |title=Zambia: Health authorites rallying to contain worst cholera outbreak in a decade |url=https://www.africanews.com/2024/01/14/zambia-health-authorites-rallying-to-contain-worst-cholera-outbreak-in-a-decade/ |access-date=2024-01-16 |website=Africanews |language=en}}</ref> The outbreak initially surfaced in [[Vubwi District]] in the [[Eastern Province, Zambia|Eastern Province]] and [[Mwansabombwe District]] in [[Luapula Province]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cholera Threatens Lives of Children and their Families in Parts of Zambia {{!}} UNICEF Zambia |url=https://www.unicef.org/zambia/stories/cholera-threatens-lives-zambia |access-date=2024-01-12 |website=www.unicef.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mfula |first=Chris |date=December 14, 2023 |title=PRESS STATEMENT ON THE CHOLERA OUTBREAK IN ZAMBIA |url=https://www.moh.gov.zm/?p=3457 |access-date=12 January 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Zambia appeals for support in cholera response as cases surge-Xinhua |url=https://english.news.cn/20240110/b05d38aca7e9490a9238a3e88f682453/c.html |access-date=2024-01-12 |website=english.news.cn}}</ref> By October 2023, the Zambia National Public Health Institute reported a cholera outbreak in the capital, [[Lusaka]].<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Mensah |first=Ebenezer |date=2024-01-05 |title=Zambia Extends School Closures Amidst Cholera Outbreak |url=https://bnnbreaking.com/breaking-news/health/zambia-extends-school-closures-amidst-cholera-outbreak/ |access-date=2024-01-12 |website=BNN Breaking |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Zambia |first=U. S. Mission |date=2024-01-16 |title=Health Alert: Cholera Outbreak (January 12, 2024) |url=https://zm.usembassy.gov/health-alert-cholera-outbreak/ |access-date=2024-01-17 |website=U.S. Embassy in Zambia |language=en-US}}</ref> As of 2 January 2024, Zambia had 3,757 confirmed cases and 128 deaths.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2024-01-08 |title=Zambia Postpones School Opening After Cholera Outbreak |url=https://www.voaafrica.com/a/zambia-postpones-school-opening-after-cholera-outbreak/7430590.html |access-date=2024-01-12 |website=Voice of America |language=en}}</ref> Cholera cases have so far broken out in 15 districts in five out of the country’s [[Provinces of Zambia|10 provinces]], with Lusaka, the country’s capital recording the highest number of cases.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-03 |title=Zambia’s cholera cases reach over 4,000 - CAJ News Africa |url=https://www.cajnewsafrica.com/2024/01/03/zambias-cholera-cases-reach-over-4000/ |access-date=2024-01-16 |language=en-US}}</ref> Of particular concern is the rapid progression of the outbreak within Lusaka, where, within a week, the Ministry of Health reported a surge of 71.2% in cases and a staggering 175% increase in fatalities.<ref>{{Cite web |title=As cholera cases continue to rise in parts of Southern Africa, UNICEF calls for increased focus on children in the cholera response |url=https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/cholera-cases-continue-rise-parts-southern-africa-unicef-calls-increased-focus |access-date=2024-01-17 |website=www.unicef.org |language=en}}</ref> Partners affiliated with DG ECHO actively collaborate with the Ministry of Health, providing crucial support in various capacities. Initiatives include community sensitization and risk communication, distribution and control of chlorine at critical water points, contact tracing, and the management of oral rehydration points within Lusaka.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Zambia: Elevated cholera activity reported in multiple areas through early January /update 2 |url=https://crisis24.garda.com/alerts/2024/01/zambia-elevated-cholera-activity-reported-in-multiple-areas-through-early-january-update-2 |access-date=2024-01-16 |website=Zambia: Elevated cholera activity reported in multiple areas through early January /update 2 {{!}} Crisis24 |language=en}}</ref> There is an urgent imperative to intensify community engagement and bolster the supply of safe water in affected areas, coupled with continuous monitoring of water quality.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-04 |title=Zambia – Cholera outbreak (DG ECHO, Zambia National Public Health Institute, DG ECHO partners) (ECHO Daily Flash of 04 January 2024) - Zambia {{!}} ReliefWeb |url=https://reliefweb.int/report/zambia/zambia-cholera-outbreak-dg-echo-zambia-national-public-health-institute-dg-echo-partners-echo-daily-flash-04-january-2024 |access-date=2024-01-12 |website=reliefweb.int |language=en}}</ref>
== Background ==
== Background ==
Cholera, a waterborne bacterial infection, has been a recurring health challenge in Zambia. The current outbreak has been identified as potentially the worst since the first recorded outbreak in 1977. The rapid spread of the disease has led to increased efforts by health workers to contain the crisis and provide essential medical assistance to those affected.<ref name=":4" />
Cholera, a waterborne bacterial infection, has been a recurring health challenge in Zambia. The current outbreak has been identified as potentially the worst since the first recorded outbreak in 1977. The rapid spread of the disease has led to increased efforts by health workers to contain the crisis and provide essential medical assistance to those affected.<ref name=":4" />

Revision as of 07:16, 17 January 2024

2023–2024 Zambian cholera outbreak
Diseasecholera
Sourcevibrio cholerae
LocationZambia
First reportedVubwi District
Index caseNational
DateJanuary, 2023 – present
Type
diarrhoeal disease
Confirmed cases8724
Hospitalised cases821
Recovered400
Deaths
351

The 2023–2024 Zambian cholera outbreak is currently one of the most severe health crises in the country's recent history,[1] with its origins traced back to January 2023.[2] The outbreak initially surfaced in Vubwi District in the Eastern Province and Mwansabombwe District in Luapula Province.[3][4][5] By October 2023, the Zambia National Public Health Institute reported a cholera outbreak in the capital, Lusaka.[6][7] As of 2 January 2024, Zambia had 3,757 confirmed cases and 128 deaths.[8] Cholera cases have so far broken out in 15 districts in five out of the country’s 10 provinces, with Lusaka, the country’s capital recording the highest number of cases.[9] Of particular concern is the rapid progression of the outbreak within Lusaka, where, within a week, the Ministry of Health reported a surge of 71.2% in cases and a staggering 175% increase in fatalities.[10] Partners affiliated with DG ECHO actively collaborate with the Ministry of Health, providing crucial support in various capacities. Initiatives include community sensitization and risk communication, distribution and control of chlorine at critical water points, contact tracing, and the management of oral rehydration points within Lusaka.[11] There is an urgent imperative to intensify community engagement and bolster the supply of safe water in affected areas, coupled with continuous monitoring of water quality.[12]

Background

Cholera, a waterborne bacterial infection, has been a recurring health challenge in Zambia. The current outbreak has been identified as potentially the worst since the first recorded outbreak in 1977. The rapid spread of the disease has led to increased efforts by health workers to contain the crisis and provide essential medical assistance to those affected.[2]

Response and Challenges

President Hakainde Hichilema has called for the relocation of people from towns to villages, citing poor sanitation in densely populated urban areas as a significant factor contributing to the outbreak. The President's directive is aimed at minimizing the risk of further infections and creating a safer environment in rural areas.[13] Family gatherings during funerals have been identified as potential hotspots for cholera transmission. In response, the Zambian Health Ministry has imposed a prohibition on funerals and family burials. Health Minister Sylvia Masebo emphasized the importance of adhering to these measures to prevent the spread of the disease. "I've told them that they cannot participate in burials, and I also told them that they cannot have funerals at their homes. I also told the general public not to attend funerals anymore," stated Sylvia Masebo.

Impact

Impact on Education

The cholera outbreak has had significant repercussions on the nation's education sector and prompted stringent public health interventions. In response to the escalating crisis, authorities took the decision to postpone the reopening of schools by an additional three weeks, as announced by the Education Minister, Douglas Syakalima, on Thursday.[14] Syakalima informed reporters in the capital, Lusaka, that both public and private early childhood, primary, and secondary schools will remain closed beyond the initially scheduled opening date of January 8, 2024.[14][6] Consequently, the revised date for school resumption is now set for Monday, January 29.[8] This measure aims to safeguard the health and well-being of students and staff in the face of the ongoing cholera outbreak.[15]

Public Health Measures

As of Thursday, the country reported a distressing daily record of 23 deaths and 342 new cholera cases, contributing to a cumulative toll of 150 deaths and 4,097 cases since the outbreak commenced in October of the previous year. In response to the escalating crisis, Health Minister Sylvia Masebo revealed that the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka, with a seating capacity of 60,000, has been repurposed as a treatment center for cholera. This decision aims to alleviate the strain on existing health facilities grappling with the surge in cholera cases. Masebo, emphasizing proactive measures, stated, "We continue sensitizing our citizens not to buy food from unsafe locations and to observe the highest level of hygiene so that together we can curb the spread of cholera." To reinforce this message, a mass sensitization roadshow was conducted in Lusaka on Thursday. In an additional measure to curb the spread of the disease, vending on the streets has been prohibited, as announced last week. These collective efforts underscore the gravity of the public health situation and the commitment of authorities to mitigate the impact of the cholera outbreak in Zambia.[15]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Scramble to contain a cholera crisis in Zambia". Sky News. Retrieved 2024-01-17.
  2. ^ a b Rédaction, Africanews (2024-01-14). "Zambia: Health authorites rallying to contain worst cholera outbreak in a decade". Africanews. Retrieved 2024-01-16.
  3. ^ "Cholera Threatens Lives of Children and their Families in Parts of Zambia | UNICEF Zambia". www.unicef.org. Retrieved 2024-01-12.
  4. ^ Mfula, Chris (December 14, 2023). "PRESS STATEMENT ON THE CHOLERA OUTBREAK IN ZAMBIA". Retrieved 12 January 2023.
  5. ^ "Zambia appeals for support in cholera response as cases surge-Xinhua". english.news.cn. Retrieved 2024-01-12.
  6. ^ a b Mensah, Ebenezer (2024-01-05). "Zambia Extends School Closures Amidst Cholera Outbreak". BNN Breaking. Retrieved 2024-01-12.
  7. ^ Zambia, U. S. Mission (2024-01-16). "Health Alert: Cholera Outbreak (January 12, 2024)". U.S. Embassy in Zambia. Retrieved 2024-01-17.
  8. ^ a b "Zambia Postpones School Opening After Cholera Outbreak". Voice of America. 2024-01-08. Retrieved 2024-01-12.
  9. ^ "Zambia's cholera cases reach over 4,000 - CAJ News Africa". 2024-01-03. Retrieved 2024-01-16.
  10. ^ "As cholera cases continue to rise in parts of Southern Africa, UNICEF calls for increased focus on children in the cholera response". www.unicef.org. Retrieved 2024-01-17.
  11. ^ "Zambia: Elevated cholera activity reported in multiple areas through early January /update 2". Zambia: Elevated cholera activity reported in multiple areas through early January /update 2 | Crisis24. Retrieved 2024-01-16.
  12. ^ "Zambia – Cholera outbreak (DG ECHO, Zambia National Public Health Institute, DG ECHO partners) (ECHO Daily Flash of 04 January 2024) - Zambia | ReliefWeb". reliefweb.int. 2024-01-04. Retrieved 2024-01-12.
  13. ^ "Zambia cholera: President Hakainde Hichilema urges people to move to villages". 2024-01-11. Retrieved 2024-01-16.
  14. ^ a b Mitimingi, Taonga. "Zambia Delays Start of School Year as Cholera Deaths Soar". www.bloomberg.com. Retrieved 2024-01-12.
  15. ^ a b "Cholera-plagued Zambia defers reopening of schools by 3 weeks". www.aa.com.tr. Retrieved 2024-01-12.
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