LUSAKA, Zambia – A devastating cholera outbreak in Zambia has claimed the lives of over 400 people and infected more than 10,000, prompting the closure of schools nationwide and the conversion of a prominent football stadium in the capital city, Lusaka, into a treatment facility. With a mass vaccination program already underway, the Zambian government is taking urgent measures to contain the spread.
400 Cases a Day
The outbreak, which began in October, has reached alarming proportions, with the Zambian Health Ministry revealing that cholera has now been detected in nearly half of the country’s districts and nine out of its ten provinces. The nation, with a population of about 20 million, is recording over 400 new cases daily, posing a severe threat to public health.
Health Minister Sylvia Masebo expressed deep concern about the widespread impact of the outbreak, labeling it a nationwide problem. “This outbreak continues to threaten the nation’s health security,” she warned during a press conference. The fatality rate of approximately 4%, as reported by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), is considered alarmingly high for a disease that is typically treatable when addressed promptly.
International Concerns: UNICEF Weighs In
The UNICEF report highlighted that Southern Africa has been grappling with cholera outbreaks, with Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe also reporting significant cases. Since the beginning of 2023, the region has witnessed more than 200,000 cases and over 3,000 deaths related to cholera. Malawi experienced its worst outbreak in decades last year, indicating a concerning trend in the region.
Cholera outbreaks have been a recurring challenge in Zambia. Still, this current crisis stands out as the worst in two decades, according to Dr. Mazyanga Mazaba, the Director of Public Health Policy and Communication at the Public Health Institute. Factors contributing to the upsurge of cholera globally include poverty, conflict, and, notably, climate change, as identified by the World Health Organization (WHO). Weather patterns have made storms wetter and more frequent since 2021, providing a conducive environment for the spread of bacteria.
The Zambian government, recognizing the severity of the situation, took decisive steps to contain the outbreak. Initially scheduled to reopen on January 8, schools have been postponed until January 29. The Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit has been mobilized, delivering large water tanks and daily clean water to affected neighborhoods. Additionally, granulated chlorine for water treatment is being distributed.
Zambia’s Heroic Efforts and International Support
The capital, Lusaka, has become the outbreak’s epicenter, with most cases concentrated in the city. To address the overwhelming number of patients, a 60,000-seat national soccer stadium has been repurposed into a treatment center. The facility currently manages around 500 patients at any given time, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
Zambia has received crucial support from the World Health Organization, obtaining approximately 1.4 million doses of the oral cholera vaccine. The government expects an additional 200,000 doses to arrive shortly, bolstering efforts to vaccinate the population and curb the spread of the disease.
As the nation battles this deadly outbreak, international organizations, health agencies, and the Zambian government are working collaboratively to bring the situation under control. The urgency of the response reflects the severity of the crisis and the determination to save lives and protect the well-being of the Zambian population.
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Reference
Zambia Cholera Outbreak: 10,000 Infected, Over 400 Dead; Football Stadium Turned Into Treatment Facility [Internet]. Accessed on January 22, 2024. Available from: https://www.news18.com/amp/world/zambia-cholera-outbreak-10000-infected-over-400-dead-football-stadium-turned-into-treatment-facility-8744548.html?utm_campaign=fullarticle&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=inshorts
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