Cholera, a waterborne disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, has caused a new wave of outbreak in some parts of Zambia. The outbreak was first reported in early January 2022 from a few neighborhoods of the capital city Lusaka. By the end of January, several cases were reported from other districts of Lusaka as well as neighboring provinces.
Spread of the Disease and Zambia Cholera Vaccines
The cholera outbreak has mainly spread through contaminated water sources. Heavy rains in December and January led to flooding in many parts of the country which contaminated hand pumps and shallow wells used by locals. By mid-February, the cases have risen significantly with over 300 suspected cases and 10 deaths reported. Several healthcare facilities in affected areas are overwhelmed with patients suffering from severe watery diarrhea and vomiting. The worst hit regions include Kafue, Chongwe in Lusaka province and also some districts of Southern province bordering Zimbabwe. Some remote communities with poor access to safe drinking water and sanitation are at high risk.
Government Response and Initiatives
The Zambia Cholera Vaccines has launched urgent response measures to curb the ongoing outbreak. Additional healthcare workers and medical supplies have been dispatched to provide treatment. Temporary treatment centers have been set up in remote villages. Mass awareness campaigns are being conducted through community meetings and radio/TV announcements to educate people on preventive measures like water purification, hand washing and food hygiene. Boil water notices have been issued. Chlorine tablets and water tanks are being distributed. The water resources department is working overtime to restore and repair damaged water infrastructure. Mass vaccination drives are planned in affected communities. Steps are being taken to improve surveillance and rapid response.
Challenges in Containment
However, containing the outbreak remains a major challenge due to several reasons. Poverty and lack of access to clean water and toilets make hygiene practices difficult for many in Zambia. Damage to existing water supply lines due to floods further jeopardizes access to safe water. Many in remote areas do not have electricity, making boiling of water tough. Distrust and rumors discourage some from seeking medical help. Shortages of essential medicines, vaccines and healthcare staff at times delays effective interventions in overwhelmed facilities. Cross-border spread from neighboring countries is another concern as people and goods move across porous borders. Resource constraints also limit the scale and reach of response activities by authorities. These factors help sustain community transmission of cholera if not addressed urgently.
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