Sat, 20 Jan 2018 12:41:33 +0000
By KALOBWE BWALYA
CHIBOLYA Compound in Lusaka has recorded 15 new cholera cases in the last 24 hours making it the new epi-centre of the epidemic.
This is barely four days after the Ministry of Health declared Lusaka’s George compound the new epicentre after the area recorded 16 cholera cases in the previous 24 hours.
Giving an update on cholera statistics during a media briefing in Lusaka yesterday, Health Minister Dr Chitalu Chilufya said he has since intensified intervention in Chibolya compound because it lacked water and proper sanitation.
Dr Chilufya however said there has been a decrease in the number of new cholera cases recorded since Wednesday and only 54 new cholera cases were recorded in the last few days.
Dr Chilufya noted that Chibolya compound had not received the same attention compared to other areas such as Kanyama Compound, adding that movements in George compound, Chunga, Paradise surrounding areas will remain restricted.
He said a new technical team will be sent in Chibolya compound to ensure that drivers of the epidemic were addressed so that interventions were escalated to contain the situation.
“In the last 72 hours we recorded zero facility deaths, but one community death and only four cases have been recorded from Kabwe and Mumbwa and Government will continue advising on any new measures that would be taken to curb the epidemic and we expect that cases in new epicentres will come under control in the few days to come,” said Dr Chilufya.
And Minister of Religious Affairs and National Guidance Reverend Godfridah Sumaili said all the churches where cholera had been reported should not assemble this Sunday, including churches that were in George Compound, Paradise, Lilanda as well as Chunga.
Rev Sumaili however said the ministry will next Tuesday make evaluations regarding the situation, and urged all to abide by the law and continue disseminating information on the water-borne disease.
Meanwhile, Local Government Minister Vincent Mwale has announced the re-opening of markets that have met the criteria among them Mtendere Cooperative, Mtendere UNIP, Kalikiliki, Kaunda Square, Chifundo, Katambalala, Chazanga, Olympia Park, Garden-Chilulu, Bwafwano, Sikota Wina, Chingwere, Railside, Tigwirizane, Jean Kapata, and Bauleni markets.
Meanwhile, the Chinese Embassy havs donated US$300, 000 and the Association of Chinese Cooperation in Zambia have also donated K150, 000 while Huawei Communications Company has donated K150, 000 towards the cholera fight.
Seba Foods donated various nutritious food products valued at K100, 000, Jet Stores Zambia donated waste bins and gloves worth K10, 000, Sanlam Life Insurance Company donated disinfectants, face masks worth K27, 000 among other things and Zambeef donated items valued at K80, 000.
