Health & Nutrition

Zambia has witnessed a surge in cholera cases since January 2024 with reported fatalities reaching 700. The country has recorded nearly 20,000 infections since the outbreak started in October 2023. Cholera is transmitted through the consumption of contaminated food and/or water.

While at the beginning of the outbreak, cases were restricted to Lusaka and Ndola, the two largest cities in Zambia, the disease has since spread to all provinces of the country with the potential to affect the entire southern Africa region. Infections have already been reported in neighboring Zimbabwe, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Malawi.

In response to this crisis, ChildFund, with support from USAID, delivered medical supplies worth USD 93,330 (2.3 million Kwacha) to the Ministry of Health to bolster the government’s fight against cholera. These supplies included food items, blankets, heaters, refrigerators and baby formula.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, ChildFund Zambia Country Director Simba Machingaidze emphasized that healthcare is at the core of ChildFund’s programming as it directly impacts children and women. “Zambia’s goal to become a prosperous middle-income country by 2030 is dependent on, among other things, a healthy and productive nation, hence our focus as an organization on complementing the government’s healthcare initiatives. Investing in children’s health goes beyond treating diseases. It ensures their overall well-being, enabling them to grow, learn, and live in safe environments. A child’s ability to reach their full potential is deeply connected to their health, nutrition, and access to clean water and sanitation. That is why we remain committed to supporting the government in tackling public health emergencies like cholera, which pose a significant threat to the future of Zambia’s children.