Zambia cholera: Families grieve as infection kills loved ones

Zambia cholera: Families grieve as infection kills loved ones The outbreak of cholera in Zambia has left families devastated as their loved ones succumb to the deadly disease. Funerals have been restricted to only five relatives in an effort to contain the spread of the infection. Cholera is a highly contagious bacterial infection that is transmitted through contaminated food and water. It causes severe watery diarrhea and can lead to dehydration and death if left untreated. In recent months, Zambia has been grappling with a cholera outbreak, with thousands of cases reported and over 70 deaths. The government has taken several measures to try and contain the disease. In addition to restricting funeral attendance, public gatherings have been banned and street food vendors have been ordered to close in the capital city, Lusaka. The aim is to limit the transmission of the bacteria and prevent further outbreaks. The restrictions on funerals have been particularly difficult for grieving families. Traditionally, Zambians gather in large numbers to mourn and pay their respects to the deceased. However, with the risk of cholera spreading at these gatherings, families are now limited to only five relatives attending the funerals. This has caused tremendous emotional strain on families who are unable to properly mourn the loss of their loved ones. Many have expressed their anguish at not being able to say their final goodbyes and hold the customary funeral ceremonies. Andrew Kazadi, whose father fell victim to the disease, shared his experience of attending the restricted funeral. He described the pain of not being able to have a proper farewell for his father and the difficulty of watching other family members suffer in silence. The toll that cholera has had on families goes beyond the immediate loss of their loved ones. The outbreak has also exposed the deep-rooted problems of poor sanitation and lack of access to clean water in the country. In Zambia, only 40% of the population has access to clean drinking water, and just 35% have access to basic sanitation facilities. This creates an ideal environment for the spread of cholera and other waterborne diseases. The government has acknowledged these challenges and has set out a plan to address them. The Ministry of Health has intensified efforts to promote hand hygiene and clean water practices. Additionally, they have mobilized resources to provide clean water and sanitation facilities in affected areas. International organizations and NGOs have also stepped in to assist the government's efforts. UNICEF has provided support by distributing hygiene kits and water treatment supplies. The World Health Organization has sent medical teams to help with the response and has provided funds for the purchase of medical supplies. Despite these efforts, the fight against cholera in Zambia remains an uphill battle. Prevention and control efforts are hindered by the lack of basic infrastructure and resources. With limited access to clean water and sanitation facilities, it is difficult to prevent the spread of the disease. Cholera outbreaks are not new to Zambia. The country has experienced multiple outbreaks over the years, with the last major outbreak occurring in 2016. However, the current outbreak is the most severe in recent history, and it has raised concerns about the country's ability to effectively respond to such emergencies. As the death toll continues to rise and families mourn the loss of their loved ones, it is clear that urgent action is needed to address the underlying issues of sanitation and access to clean water. The government must invest in long-term solutions to improve water and sanitation infrastructure, as well as educate the population about hygiene practices. In the short term, it is crucial to continue with the preventive measures put in place to contain the spread of the disease. This includes promoting handwashing with soap, ensuring safe food handling practices, and providing clean water and sanitation facilities in affected areas. The families who have lost loved ones to cholera in Zambia are facing unimaginable grief and hardship. It is essential that the government and international partners work together to provide support and resources to these families. Additionally, efforts must be made to prevent future outbreaks by addressing the root causes of the disease. Cholera is a preventable and treatable disease, and with the right interventions, it can be controlled. It is time to prioritize the health and well-being of the Zambian population and ensure that no more lives are lost to this deadly infection.