Rapid Spread of Cholera Outbreak in Zambia Raises Alarm
As of Jan. 18, 2024, 10,887 cases and 432 deaths were reported across nine of the country’s 10 provinces. Lusaka, Central and Eastern provinces are the worst affected.
LUSAKA, Zambia - As the cholera outbreak in Zambia continues to expand rapidly, efforts are being stepped up to halt the spread of disease and save lives, writes Winston Mwale.
A vaccination campaign is currently underway targeting 1.5 million people, including children, health workers and people at high risk of infection in the worst affected areas.
"Our priority is to work closely with the government to provide immediate support and expertise," said Dr. Nathan Bakyaita, WHO Representative in Zambia.
In partnership with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF and others, the World Health Organization (WHO) is supporting the government to effectively roll out the oral cholera vaccination campaign as well as bolster ongoing outbreak control measures.
More than 1.4 million cholera vaccine doses have been delivered to the country to help stem the outbreak, with another 200,000 additional doses approved by the WHO International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision.
The government declared a new outbreak in October 2023, which began in Lusaka province.
As of Jan. 18, 2024, 10,887 cases and 432 deaths were reported across nine of the country’s 10 provinces. Lusaka, Central and Eastern provinces are the worst affected.
The rapid spread of the disease and the increasing number of reported cases suggest that the outbreak may be one of the worst in the country's recent history.
Densely populated areas of Lusaka with limited or no access to clean water and sanitation services are facing a higher incidence of cholera.
WHO has provided more than 14 tons of cholera kits and additional medical supplies to the government, enough to treat about 3,000 cases.
The Organization is also procuring additional supplies and equipment, including cholera beds.
Other efforts to control the outbreak include provision of water tanks, setting up of oral rehydration points, public health campaigns to promote hygiene, and establishment of cholera treatment centers.
Cholera is easily treatable through prompt administration of oral rehydration solution or intravenous fluids.
Effective control relies on measures including enhanced surveillance, improving access to treatment, vaccines, safe water and sanitation.