Fighting the Cholera Outbreak in Zambia
UNICEF provides crucial support
UNICEF is appealing for US$ 6,487,000 to sustain lifesaving services
A total amount of US$33,582,543 is required for UNICEF’s response to the humanitarian needs, including sustaining the lifesaving services of close to 10 million people affected by drought and Cholera in Zambia. Of these a total amount US$27,095,543 is for the drought response and US$6,487,000 for Cholera response.
Highlights
- US$2,834,797 has been received from ECHO and CERF to support the Cholera response.
- As of 8th April 2024, the number of cholera cases being recorded has reduced to 38 cases daily, which is at least 84 districts out of 116 have been severely impacted by the drought.
- 9,779,145 people are exposed while 6,552,027 people are adversely affected by the drought in 84 districts.
- Over 3 million children under 18 and 1.2 million children under 5 years are facing prolonged food insecurity and high risk of common childhood illness, vaccine preventable disease outbreaks and malnutrition (SMART Survey, May 2024).
380,288 children aged 6 – 59 months out of about 400,000 estimated population of children were screened for wasting during active case finding in the seven subdistricts of Lusaka with support from UNICEF.
132,750 in drought affected areas reached with basic water supply.
UNICEF supported the Ministry of Education (MoE) to adapted and developed audio and video messaging for parents on keeping children in school during drought.
- 23,378 cumulative Cholera cases with 740 deaths as of reporting date.
- Community surveillance for Cholera was initiated with screening of 18,047 under 5 years children and 22,400 above 5 years visited in 7,122 households.
- UNICEF provided logistical support in the importation of 4.1 million doses of the Oral Cholera Vaccine.
Over 3.3 million people are benefitting from UNICEF supported water chlorination and quality monitoring, and infection prevention and control supplies.
- 40,839 people including 18,287 children affected have received protection support (family tracing, reunification, reintegration, case management services, etc).
>> See the full Zambia Cholera and Drought Response Flash Update
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.
