January 9, 2024
News
Since the beginning of last year, Zambia has experienced multiple cholera outbreaks, affecting 7 out of 10 provinces, including the capital Lusaka. The situation has worsened significantly since October 2023, with the number of infected people on the rise. As of January this year, Zambia has recorded 5,462 confirmed cases. 222 people have died as a result of cholera. Caritas Czech Republic is helping local people to prevent infection and will support vulnerable communities.
Caritas Czech Republic spreads awareness about cholera and health precautions
The cholera epidemic has particularly affected the Lusaka Province and Lusaka District. In just one week, the Ministry of Health has recorded a 71.2 percent increase in cases and a 175 percent increase in deaths. Zambia's Ministry of Health has opened the national stadium in Lusaka for cholera treatment to reduce pressure on health facilities.
Caritas Czech Republic is spreading awareness about the risks associated with cholera and the measures that need to be followed to help people avoid contracting the disease. "People in the affected areas are advised to pay extra attention to good hygiene and maintaining clean working and home environments, including disinfecting them regularly. We urge people to consume only safe and clean drinking water and food from safe sources," says Martina Havlíková, Country Director at Caritas Czech Republic in Zambia.
Caritas Czech Republic is continuing its efforts from the coronavirus pandemic, having organised a series of training sessions on good hygiene and distributed hand-washing kits to vulnerable communities, together with its partners People in Need and Mendel University. We also trained volunteers on how to protect local communities from the infection.
“While these precautions may seem routine, they are crucial in preventing the spread of cholera and other infectious diseases. We encourage everyone to take these measures seriously,“ adds Havlíková.
The epidemic is affecting people in at-risk groups the hardest
As in the case of the Covid-19 pandemic, any stringent security measures will have a negative impact on small traders in particular. If markets and other places where people from at-risk groups earn their livelihoods are closed, their earnings will be affected. The already deteriorating situation is hitting vulnerable communities hard.
The Ministry of Education has already postponed the start of after-school holidays by three weeks to 29 January because of the cholera epidemic. If the epidemic situation worsens, other places may be closed. Caritas Czech Republic is ready to help people affected by the worsening situation. We have already helped vulnerable residents through a difficult time during the Covid-19 pandemic without having to close their businesses. At that time, the lives of Zambian market traders literally changed overnight. Suddenly they had no customers to sell their goods to, losing their only source of livelihood and unable to feed their families. Caritas Czech Republic provided financial support to the market vendors, thanks to which they are now working successfully again.
What is cholera and what causes it
Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal disease caused by the toxins of the bacterium vibrio cholerae. Infection is spread by ingesting food or water contaminated with the bacteria, which is spread through the bodily excretions of an infected person. The bacteria can survive in water for up to three weeks and on food for up to six weeks. Contamination of a water or food source can lead to rapid spread of the disease in a short time, especially in areas with high numbers and concentrations of people.
The symptoms of cholera tend to be mild at first, but in up to twenty percent of cases the course of the disease is very serious. Cholera is characterised by extreme diarrhoea leading to rapid dehydration. Water loss can be up to 26 litres per day. Vomiting and leg cramps may also occur. Without treatment, the patient can die within hours.
The disease is best prevented by following good hygiene rules.
Help us support the people in Zambia
Caritas Czech Republic has been supporting vulnerable communities in Zambia for more than a decade. We are ready to help people affected by the worsening cholera epidemic. Join us in helping local people.
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