Cholera Crisis Sweeps Across Southern Africa, Zambia Worst Hit
Over 400 deaths and 10,000 cases reported in Zambia, UNICEF describes 4% fatality rate as 'devastatingly high', concerns rise over potential spread to South Africa.
- Zambia is grappling with a severe cholera outbreak, with over 400 deaths and more than 10,000 cases reported. The government has shut down all schools and is providing 2.4 million liters of clean water daily to affected communities.
- The outbreak, which began in October, has spread to nearly half of the country's districts and nine out of 10 provinces. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has described the 4% fatality rate as 'devastatingly high'.
- Cholera outbreaks have also been reported in other southern African nations, including Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe. Over 200,000 cases and more than 3,000 deaths have been reported in the region since the start of 2023.
- Zambia has begun a mass vaccination program, with around 1.4 million doses of the oral cholera vaccine received from the World Health Organization. However, global cholera outbreaks have strained vaccine supplies, which could last until 2025.
- Two cases of waterborne disease have been confirmed in South Africa, sparking concerns about the potential spread of cholera in the country. The South African government has called for increased vigilance and adherence to personal hygiene practices.
Voice of America (VOA News) 
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