Fighting the Cholera Outbreak in Zambia
UNICEF provides crucial support
UNICEF is appealing for US$ 6,487,000 to sustain lifesaving services
UNICEF in Zambia is working hand in hand with the Government of the Republic of Zambia to deliver urgent humanitarian assistance in response to this devastating outbreak. With over 729 lives lost and over 22,720 affected, including children, our mission is to alleviate suffering and save lives. Stand with us as we provide vital resources, healthcare services, and education to combat this crisis head-on.
Key interventions include:
- As of 8th April 2024, the number of cholera cases being recorded has reduced to 38 cases daily, which is at least half of the 70 cases that were reported as of 6th March 2024. However, while generally the numbers reported on cholera are reducing, mainly in Lusaka that was the epicenter, numbers of reported cases in selected districts of the Copperbelt province are increasing with fluctuating number of cases in Central and Eastern Provinces.
- Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV) campaigns were completed for the first phase in high-burden areas reaching 99% (1,870,375/1,888,112) of the target population. Zambia has been approved to receive additional 2,246,140 million OCV doses with support from the International Coordinating Group (ICG).
- With support from UNICEF, over 450,000 learners in schools in 166 schools in Lusaka district benefited from cholera related WASH items and IEC materials. This contributed to safe drinking water and a safe protective school learning environment. Programme and end user monitoring generally revealed that WASH items were being appropriately used in schools; it was evident that the items were in use by learners.
- 13,075 of children affected by cholera received protection support services through case management.
- 12, 600 children out 29,256 individuals have been sensitized to access a safe and accessible channel to report sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA).
- 4,883 people, including 2,120 children, were referred from community volunteers and helplines for protection services including psychosocial support and gender-based services.
- UNICEF RCCE partnerships are underway reaching over 2 million community members in Lusaka through Zambia Red Cross Society (ZRCS) deploying 440 Community-based volunteers (CBVs) conducting community engagement activities; Zambia Interfaith Networking group (ZINGO), mobilizing faith leaders in 380 faith congregations; and Support to Older People Zambia (STOP) deploying 240 trained older person champions and mobilizers.
- UNICEF supported training and deployment of 500 Community Welfare Assistant Committee Volunteers (CWACs) jointly with Ministry of Health (MoH) and Ministry of Community Development and Social Services (MCDSS) to strengthen community action in vulnerable households.
- On April 4, the UN Assistant Secretary General, Climate Crisis Coordinator for El Niño/La Niña Response, Reena Ghelani, and UNICEF Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, Etleva Kadilli, accompanied by UNICEF Deputy Operations Representative, Henri Heikura, visited an oral rehydration point in Matero, Lusaka, to witness firsthand the role volunteers play as the crucial link between the community and health facilities.
Zambia Cholera Response Highlights
Thanks to KfW Development Bank, over 140 schools have been reached with WASH education kits to provide a safe environment for learners and teachers. Children can now reclaim their right to education and rebuild their futures.
I want to single out that vaccination is not a magic single bullet to control this crisis.
Let us acknowledge the weight of these numbers: 30% of all deaths are children below 5 years old. These are not just statistics - they are missed futures, stories cut short, families shattered.
Despite the challenges and negative encounters, I remain steadfast in my belief in the positive impact we are making on the communities. Instead of giving up, I strategize and look forward to a better day.
Photo Slide
3C'S For Preventing Cholera
Clean water
Drink and use clean and safe water.
Clean hands
Wash your hands often with soap and safe water.
Early care
Seek care early for you and your loved ones at the earliest signs of diarrhea.
Thank you to our supporting donors, ECHO, KfW Development Bank, United Nations CERF and USAID, for providing lifesaving supplies, strengthening cholera response systems, and ensuring children are protected during emergencies.
