WHO and Partners Collaborate to Combat Cholera Outbreak in Zambia

The cholera outbreak in Zambia is rapidly spreading, prompting intensified efforts to save lives and curb the disease’s transmission. A vaccination campaign is currently underway, aiming to reach 1.5 million individuals, including children, healthcare workers, and high-risk populations in the most affected areas.

In collaboration with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF, and other partners, the World Health Organisation (WHO) is actively supporting the Zambian government in the execution of an oral cholera vaccination campaign and strengthening ongoing outbreak control measures. Over 1.4 million doses of cholera vaccine have been delivered to Zambia, with an additional 200,000 doses approved by the WHO International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision, bringing the total to approximately 1.7 million doses.

The outbreak was declared by the government in October 2023, initially surfacing in the Lusaka province. As of January 18, 2024, the country has reported 10,887 cases and 432 deaths across nine out of its ten provinces. Lusaka, Central, and Eastern provinces have been the hardest hit, with Lusaka district serving as the epicentre of the outbreak. The rapid escalation of cases indicates that this outbreak may be one of the most severe in recent Zambian history. Densely populated areas of Lusaka with limited access to clean water, sanitation services, and poor hygiene practices are experiencing a higher incidence of cholera.

Dr. Nathan Bakyaita, WHO Representative in Zambia, emphasises the need for concerted and collaborative efforts to protect citizens’ health and well-being. The focus is on working closely with the government, local health authorities, and cooperating partners to provide immediate support and expertise. The situation underscores the urgency of implementing a comprehensive response addressing the root causes and deploying targeted interventions.

To strengthen the key areas of outbreak response, WHO has deployed 23 experts from its Regional Office for Africa. Their roles encompass emergency coordination, case management, surveillance, infection prevention and control, improvement of water, sanitation, and hygiene services, as well as heightened public awareness campaigns regarding disease risks.

Additionally, WHO has supplied the Zambian government with over 14 tons of cholera kits and additional medical resources. These supplies are sufficient to treat approximately 3,000 cases of cholera, ranging from mild to severe, including moderate cases at oral rehydration points in communities. Procurement of additional supplies and equipment, including cholera beds, is currently underway and set to be delivered soon.

The government has activated a high-level outbreak response coordinated by the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit. This response involves providing water tanks to supply communities with clean drinking water, establishing oral rehydration points in strategic locations such as markets, churches, and bus stops for swift access to treatment, and launching public health campaigns to promote hygiene practices. Cholera treatment centres have been established to provide medical care for severe cases, with the largest treatment centre located at the National Heroes Stadium in central Lusaka.

Cholera is an acute and highly contagious infection that can spread rapidly, leading to severe dehydration and high morbidity and mortality rates. Fortunately, the disease is easily treatable, with most individuals successfully recovering through the prompt administration of oral rehydration solution or intravenous fluids.

The effective control of cholera hinges on the implementation of comprehensive measures, including enhanced epidemiological and laboratory surveillance, improved access to treatment, vaccination campaigns, provision of safe water, sanitation services, and the promotion of behavioural changes and enhanced hygiene practices within communities.

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Source: WHO Africa