Chavuma District Epidemic Preparedness and Response Committee has held a meeting to deliberate on strategies to avert the spread of the Cholera disease in the district.
Chavuma District experienced Cholera outbreak for the first time last year with 48 cases recorded, two brought in dead, one facility death, ten confirmed by culture, two RDT and one positive case came from Angola in Kazombo.
Speaking during the meeting, Chavuma Public Health Officer Harry Kazoka disclosed that there is an ongoing Cholera outbreak in Angola which shares porous borders with Chavuma .
“So far, the country has recorded a cumulative total of 283 suspected Cholera cases, 51 confirmed cases and 19 deaths as of early this year, “he said.
Mr Kazoka added that Zambia is currently experiencing cases of Cholera which started in Nakonde district of Muchinga Province, since 27th December, 2024 with a cumulative total number of 18 confirmed cases.
Mr Kazoka has emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in the enhancement of public health and responding to any epidemic that breaks out.
“we require all key stakeholders here to jointly work with the Ministry of Health in putting up public health measures such as active surveillance should be intensified at Chingi border, in health facilities and in the community,” Mr Kazoka said.
And District Commissioner Geoffrey Kasonda applauded the Committee for the multifaceted approach that was shown during last year’s cholera outbreak in the area.
Mr Kasonda noted that there is a need to heightened sensitizations to the community in order to ensure everyone’s mindset is prepared and ready to fight the pandemic if there should be an outbreak.
“I wish to thank all of you stakeholders for the hard work you rendered last year and I appreciate all of you for working hand in hand with the government and ensuring we foster development.
“Last year with your consolidated efforts we managed to win the fight against cholera in our area and it is for this reason I implore you that as you have heard there is an outbreak in our neighbouring country so we need to work with the ministry of health and be proactive by following all guidelines and protecting our district so that we champion the fight even this year,’ he said.
