Zambia: The Ministry of Health in Monze district have shared the update about the cholera preparedness in the region. The ministry spokesperson has claimed that Higher Learning Institutions in the District are not ready. The colleges still have a lot of things to put in place in order to resume lectures amidst the Cholera outbreak.
The cholera outbreak, which the country is struggling with in recent months, has so far claimed over two hundred and ninety lives. The Ministry of health has been keeping track of cholera related cases, deaths and recoveries since October 2023.
So far, almost four per cent of the total infections are turning into fatalities. Meanwhile, the administration is working hard to contain the disease. Cholera is spread through the consumption of contaminated water, either directly or through food.
The administration is ensuring that the various institutions of the country are ready to contain the spread of the bacterial infection.
The safety checks were run for all the tertiary education in the Monze District. The administration has decided that the institutions are not ready to resume face-to-face learning. The sentiment came to light in the backdrop of the severe outbreak that the country is facing.
The healthcare stakeholders of the country have expressed their support to the people in their fight against the disease. As of January 10, 2024, 1113 patients have been admitted to healthcare facilities across Zambia.
The District administrations across the country are taking steps to ensure that the disease can be curbed.
Talking about Monze District, Health Director, Dr Gocho Kapoba, claimed that the institutions need to put in place sanitizing points. Additionally, they have to find ways of screening students for Cholera symptoms when they report.
Kapoba is however confident that with the extension in the opening date of some Tertiary Institutions, they will have enough time to place the necessary health measures in place.
Meanwhile, Monze’s Gateway to Better Living School of Nursing Manager, Royd Apuleni, says the institution has heeded the call, beginning with sanitizing Lecture rooms and Student hostels.