Gov’t urged to contain cholera By RODGERS KALERO and HOPE MUSONDA

THE outbreak of cholera requires immediate and decisive action from all stakeholders, a civil society organisation has said.
And about 16 new cholera cases have been recorded in Chililabombwe in the last 24 hours bringing the cumulative number of cases to 86 since the epidemic broke out in the border town with the Democratic Republic Congo (DRC)
The Medical for Quality Healthcare (MQHZ) in Zambia says Government should take the lead in coordinating the response against cholera.
Dr Quincy Mwabu, the MQHZ director general said the cholera outbreak in Chililabombwe and on the Copperbelt in general required urgent action.
Dr Mwabu said last year, the cholera outbreak had devastating effects on the nation which resulted in deaths, closure of schools and disruption of essential services.
“Government should take bold and decisive action to contain the outbreak. It should deploy emergency response teams, providing adequate medical supplies and implementing public awareness campaigns,” Dr Mwabu said.
He also urged the public to assume the responsibility of preventing the spread of cholera by adhering to stringent hygiene practices, reporting suspected cases and supporting efforts to improve sanitation and water quality.
Dr Mwabu said there was also need for additional resources to support the response efforts and called on Government and international partners to provide necessary funding, personnel and equipment.
He demanded for transparency, accountability and regular updated on the government’s response.
“Zambia cannot afford to lose more lives nor can it afford to disrupt the education of its children,” Dr Mwabu said.
And Chililabombwe District Commissioner Precious Njekwa said the cholera cases have continued to increase with the district recording 16 new cases in the last 24 hours, bringing the cumulative total number to 86.
Ms Njekwa said 24 patients were discharged on Thursday, bringing the total number of discharges since the epidemic broke to 57, while those admitted were 26, with the number of deaths still remaining at five
“The number of deaths from the cholera epidemic still remains at five, but the number of cholera cases has continued to increase with the district recording 16 cases in the last 24 hours, bringing the cumulative number of cases to 86 since cholera broke out in the district,’’ Ms Njekwa said
She disclosed that the district had continued to receive overwhelming support from stakeholders in the fight against the outbreak.
Ms Njekwa said on Thursday, UNICEF donated assorted materials to go towards prevention of the epidemic, saying some of the items donated include chlorine, soaps, buckets and tents.