'Devastating Consequences': Cholera Outbreak Ravages Zambia
Zambia records over 400 new cholera cases daily, impacting young people especially.
LUSAKA, Zambia - WaterAid has warned countries in the SADC region to address the root causes of cholera, claiming further rises in cases across the region are likely, writes Meclina Chirwa.
WaterAid's regional director Robert Kampala said as Zambia fights its worst cholera outbreak since 2017, cases are already reported in Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique and South Africa.
"Cholera reflects deep inequality in society and inadequate sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene access, especially among poorer communities," Kampala said.
"Across the region, we're seeing the devastating consequences of slow progress in water and sanitation funding as lives are lost and livelihoods needlessly destroyed."
According to Kampala, "these frequent cholera emergencies affect not only people and communities, they also undermine economies, productivity and economic growth."
He called on governments to invest in water, sanitation and hygiene urgently to safeguard livelihoods and equip the region to deal with the disease sustainably.
In the short-term, WaterAid urges governments to provide resources and build capacity in public institutions to contain outbreaks, increase public awareness education among marginalized, poorer communities with limited clean water and sanitation access.
Zambia records over 400 new cholera cases daily, impacting young people especially.
Schools and colleges remain closed as a main Lusaka football stadium became a treatment center. International NGOs support government efforts to contain the spread.
"We must act now before more lives are lost," Kampala said.