Zambia: ActionAid Zambia launched the cholera response programme in Mpulungu District, Northern Province, on Tuesday.
Speaking during the launch of the programme in Mpulungu district, ActionAid Head of Programmes Musonda Kabinga said the organisation will help the district strengthen preparedness and response to control cholera outbreaks in communities by supporting case management, infection prevention and community engagements.
Media reports that Kabinga explained that the organisation will help carry out cholera response activities in the district, which is one of the hotspot areas for cholera outbreaks in Zambia.
He added that the organisation, with support from the humanitarian action and response team, has set aside a budget of K670,000 for the exercise in its operating areas.
Furthermore, Kabinga stated that his organisation has also donated cholera prevention materials, hygiene products, nutrition supplements, medication, and protective gear.
Meanwhile, Mpulungu District Commissioner Gerhard Sikazwe called for concerted efforts from stakeholders to prevent the disease outbreak. Sikazwe said 62 out of the 116 districts in the country have recorded cholera cases, hence the need to fight the disease vigorously.
He called for a multidisciplinary strategy that includes vigorous surveillance and case management.
Sikazwe said it is important to ensure access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene in order to fight the cholera outbreak in the district.
Mpulungu Acting District Health Director Joseph Kondolo said the Ministry of Health values the support it is receiving from various partners, as the department alone cannot manage to fight the epidemic.
He noted that with concerted efforts, the district will manage to fight the outbreak and record zero cases.
As per the reports, this is one of the worst battles in Zambia in decades. After decades of progress against cholera, the disease has seen a global upsurge since 2021.
Reports also indicated that more than one million people are thought to be infected with cholera every year.
Afghanistan and Syria have suffered huge outbreaks, but in 2023, over half of the countries reporting cases were from Africa. Zambia is among the latest to battle its worst outbreak in decades, and its vaccination rollout is under pressure as stocks face increased global demand.