Zambia: The Government of Zambia is trying hard to control the Cholera Situation in the country. President Hakainde Hichilema has directed that no new settlements must be allowed without basic Facilities such as Roads, drainage and Water Supply.
President Hichilema said this at a Media interaction in Lusaka on Tuesday. He said new places without minimum prescribed requirements should be shut down and not allowed to mushroom.
Meanwhile, President Hichilema is saddened by the Cholera outbreak, which has so far claimed over 270 lives. He said there is a need for Collaborative efforts to bring the disease under Control.
He held a press briefing in which he said, “As the outbreak ravages through our communities, we’re saddened to learn that it has claimed over 266 lives. We mourn with the families who have lost loved ones to this disease. MTSRIP.”
Held a press briefing today on govt’s measures to #KickOutCholera. As the outbreak ravages through our communities, we’re saddened to learn that it has claimed over 266 lives. We mourn with the families who have lost loved ones to this disease. MTSRIP pic.twitter.com/UGVV4wX09J
— Hakainde Hichilema (@HHichilema) January 9, 2024
“The priority is to work together with all stakeholders to bring the disease under Control. When you see that someone is sick in the house, do not waste time; ensure you rush them to the health centres. No one should feel stigmatised by Cholera,” he said.
Meanwhile, President Hichilema said the Government would do everything possible to access Cholera Vaccine. He said this will help ameliorate the loss of Life.
The Head of State said the Cholera situation must not be allowed to occur every rainy season.
“We must open up roads, bring up new drainages. Immediately the rain ease, we will be decisive about the issue of plastics blocking drainages……. we must also accelerate the Production of Vaccines, partnering whoever will be available,” he said.
President tweeted and informed the public that WHO is working with Zambia and trying their best to manufacture the vaccines. “He also mentioned that he is grateful to WHO for supporting us with cholera vaccines.”
As we work towards manufacturing our own vaccine in #Zambia, we’re grateful to @WHO for supporting us with cholera vaccines. Thanks to @mohzambia, line ministries, @DMMUZambia, other agencies, including all frontline staff, for this concerted effort to #KickOutCholera in 🇿🇲 pic.twitter.com/175Gs7Suaf
— Hakainde Hichilema (@HHichilema) January 9, 2024
Moreover, he thanked various ministries, including line ministries, health, frontline health staff, agencies and many others.
He also stopped some measures in the country during the Cholera break, Like:
- No building of new settlements without facilities
- Tackle the scourge of plastics blocking drainages
- Open roads for patient access
- Sensitise Communities
Some measures now & coming shortly as we deal decisively with #Cholera in 🇿🇲
🚰 No building of new
settlements without
#WASH facilities
♻️ Tackle scourge of
plastics blocking
drainages
🛣️ Open roads for patient
access
📢Sensitise Communities pic.twitter.com/dZH9H5rbcH— Hakainde Hichilema (@HHichilema) January 9, 2024