Zambia: Minister of Health, Sylvia Masebo, has applauded Zambia Sugar for being the government’s all-weather partner. The institution has recently donated K3.5 million towards the country’s fight against the Cholera outbreak.
As per the Ministry of Health, the total number of cholera cases that the country has recorded from October 2023 has surpassed the figure of 10,000. The disease has so far claimed the lives of over 400 people.
The mortality rate of the decease in the country is constant at 4%. Meanwhile, many organizations have come forward with donations to assist the government of Malawi in the struggle.
The company also donated various items including medical supplies, water treatment chemicals, washing materials, disinfectants, sour milk as well as sugar.
The Company has, in addition to the products donated today, already committed K500,000 towards the refurbishment of the Cholera Isolation Center in Mazabuka.
The Minister of Health delivered a brief address while receiving the donation at the National Cholera Isolation Center in Lusaka. The donation was made on Friday, January 19.
Masebo recalled that Zambia Sugar was also instrumental in the country’s fight against COVID-19. They helped the administration through various donations and the refurbishment of a COVID-19 isolation Centre in Mazabuka.
She also lauded the Sugar Company for partnering with the Local Authority in Mazabuka in enhancing efforts to contain the spread of Cholera in the district.
Masebo called on other private entities in districts across the country to work together with Local Authorities to ensure that Cholera does not spread to their locations.
And presenting the donation, Zambia Sugar Managing Director, Oswald Magwenzi, pledged continued support in times of crisis, as well as other needy sectors.
He further commended the Minister and her team on the great work they were doing, stating that nothing was more valuable than preserving life.
The donation was witnessed by Mazabuka Central Member of Parliament who is also Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Garry Nkombo.
Mazabuka has recorded 21 cumulative cases of Cholera in the current outbreak, which started officially in the later months of 2023.