A family's extraordinary quest for resilience and empowerment
"Surviving cholera in George compound"
LUSAKA, Zambia January 2024 --- In the face of adversity, human resilience emerges, shining a light on the strength and determination that resides within us. Recently, I had the privilege of meeting a remarkable mother who shared her family's inspirational story of triumph over a devastating illness. Her 12-year-old child's survival from cholera not only deepened their gratitude for life but also spurred them on a mission to ensure the safety and well-being of their entire community.
George Compound, a legalized settlement in the Lusaka district, is situated in an area characterized by highly vulnerable and poor-quality groundwater. The compound is dubbed the epicenter of the cholera infection and is home to over 130,000 people. The cholera outbreak struck with an unexpected force, leaving its residents battling an invisible enemy of tragic proportions. Amid this chaos, Christabel Sitole’s child, Llyod, fell victim to the relentless scourge of cholera.
Llyod's initial diagnosis with cholera was a crushing blow, but his mother's unwavering support and the tireless efforts of healthcare workers served as a ray of hope in this dark chapter of their lives. The child's determined fight against the disease was an inspiration to all who knew him.
"When I witnessed the dedication and tireless efforts of the nurses at the Heroes Cholera Treatment Center, hope surged within me. In that moment, I knew that my precious son would overcome this battle, and I would once again be blessed to return home with him," expressed Christabel.
Lloyd's remarkable recovery, amidst cumulative community and facility deaths of 432 (as at 18 Jan 24) caused by cholera, ignited a passionate determination within his family to safeguard their community from the perils of this deadly disease.
Following the loss of her husband in 2012, Christabel is the only one to provide leadership and care for children. So, when she heard about the launch of the Oral Cholera Vaccine in her area through a public announcement, she wasted no time in gathering her three children and bringing them to the vaccination center to receive the lifesaving vaccine.
The Minister of Health, Sylvia Masebo (MP), took charge of the mass vaccination campaign and effectively communicated the importance of seeking immediate treatment at the nearest health facility for family members suffering from diarrhoea to the general public.
Since the start of the outbreak, UNICEF has consistently supported the Government of the Republic of Zambia by providing essential supplies such as chlorine, liquid soap, buckets, and Oral Rehydration Salts. Additionally, UNICEF has supported the training and deployment of Community-Based Volunteers, the dissemination of cholera prevention messages through public service announcements and is also providing psychosocial support through helplines.
The vaccine has been made possible through the efforts of the International Coordination Group (ICG) for vaccine provision, aimed at supporting the Government of the Republic of Zambia in effectively managing the cholera outbreak. The ICG comprises esteemed organizations such as the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Médecins sans Frontières (MSF), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Dr. Penelope Campbell, speaking on behalf of the United Nations in Zambia, delivered an important message to the community, emphasizing the significance of adhering to the prescribed sanitation and hygiene practices. Stressing that the oral cholera vaccine should not be solely relied upon, she underlined the crucial role of prevention in combating cholera.
Lloyd's recovery from cholera is only the beginning of an extraordinary journey for his family and their community. His mother is even more determined to be a part of the community watch group that will coordinate and encourage cleanliness and proper hygiene practices. She is thankful to the medical staff at the Heroes Cholera Treatment Center, the Community-Based Volunteers and the providers of the vaccines.
“Through their unwavering commitment, they remind us that even amidst the darkest moments, the human spirit can emerge stronger, fostering hope and building a future where triumph over adversity becomes a reality for all,” said Christabel.
Notes:
- Washing hands with soap regularly, specifically before eating.
- Avoid shaking hands.
- Drinking safe water by Boiling, Filtering, or Chlorination.
- Avoid eating contaminated food, especially eating outside of home where risk of food contamination is higher.
- Seeking medical attention and following advice from health professionals if showing symptoms
- You can also vaccinate with OCV from your nearby health facilities.
