Zambia: Acting Minister of Health, Douglas Syakalima, has reported another case of cholera in the Nakonde District. The district is currently experiencing an outbreak of cholera which is why health stakeholders urge communities to remain vigilant.
The Minister has urged the stakeholders to sensitize and educate the people of the community in order to prevent more infection and panic. The Health Ministry does not want the outbreak to extend beyond the limits of the district or the province.
They are making significant efforts to make sure that the infection does not move past a certain point. In order to make sure this happens, the administration has urged the community to remain up to date with precautions.
Hygiene practices are one of the most important prerequisite of a healthy community, helping in combating the infection.
“We must intensify education of the public on prevention and hygiene practices. It is crucial that we ensure cholera does not extend beyond Nakonde or Muchinga Province,” said Hon. Syakalima.
Minister Syakalima visited the Cholera treatment center. He further emphasized the need for a united effort by the government and communities to prevent further spread of the disease.
The visit comes a day after the ministry confirmed the first cases of cholera in the district. The Acting Minister said that the total has come to 10 confirmed cases as of 28th December 2024. Three of these patients are in stable condition. On the other hand, others are receiving medical attention at the treatment centre.
Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Dr. Kenney Lishimpi, urged the community to prioritize infection prevention at both household and community levels.
“We must ensure our surroundings are clean, wash hands thoroughly before eating, and consume only well-prepared, warm food. These measures are vital in containing the outbreak,” Dr. Lishimpi stated.
He assured the public that the Ministry of Health is deploying all necessary resources to contain the outbreak promptly. “Our aim is to quickly control the outbreak and save lives,” he said.
Muchinga Province Permanent Secretary, Mr. Henry Mukungule, lauded the government for its rapid response to the outbreak.
The Minister of Health has accompanied a team of officers to make sure that the communities are ready for fighting the outbreak. Minister Syakalima accompanied by a team of medical specialists, visited critical locations, including Gabon Compound, the cholera treatment centre, and Nakonde Bus Station, to assess the multisectoral response and district preparedness.
The Ministry of Health continues to work closely with local authorities and other stakeholders to address the outbreak, emphasizing mass sensitization and rapid medical response to mitigate its impact.