By Alka Subramanian | Executive Director
We would like to wish all moms a Happy Mother’s Day. Here is an update from the field:
Cholera Outbreak in Zambia: Zambia went through a cholera outbreak beginning in October 2017. The impact was severe in Lusaka and especially in our community of Matero and the surrounding communities due to contaminated water supplies, contaminated food, inadequate sanitation and poor hygiene practices in these areas. In December 2017, the Ministry of Health stepped in to take measures to control and prevent the spread of cholera. Schools were closed and food vendors were banned from the streets till late January. The military was called in to clean markets and unblock drains to help to fight the spread of the disease and about 1.3 million people were vaccinated against cholera by late January. At present, the cholera outbreak is under control.
Impact of Cholera: Cholera is an infectious disease that causes severe diarrhea, dehydration, and can kill within hours if left untreated. People with low immunity – such as malnourished children or people living with HIV – are at a greater risk of death if infected. Co-infection rates between cholera, HIV, malaria and TB are high, and the impact can be serious for vulnerable sections of the population.
Our Response: For populations vulnerable to malaria - such as people living with HIV, young children, expecting moms, older people, people suffering from TB – cholera can be fatal. Keeping these populations malaria free can reduce the impact of cholera (and other diseases). In 2018, we are planning on providing 6000 long lasting insecticide treated nets, up from 4000 in 2017. In addition, education on malaria prevention, and the proper use of nets will be provided. Please help us raise funds to keep children and families safe from malaria and other diseases.
Thanks for your dedication to prevent malaria and save lives in Zambia.
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