Following one of the worst outbreaks of cholera in Eastern and Southern Africa for many years, affecting 13 countries within the region, The Salvation Army is currently responding to the situation in Zimbabwe and Zambia.
According to UNICEF, ‘as of 15 January 2024, more than 200,000 cases, including over 3,000 deaths, have been reported’. In Zimbabwe, the cholera outbreak started in 2023. The report from UNICEF states that ‘more than 20,000 cases have been reported across all 10 provinces, with more than 400 suspected and confirmed deaths’. WHO Zimbabwe reports that ‘in the week ending 14 January 2024, a total of 1,875 new suspected cholera cases were reported from nine provinces. This shows a 27.3% increase from 1,473 cases reported in the previous week.’
Neighbouring Zambia is also experiencing a worrying increase in cholera diagnoses. Over 14,900 cases have been recorded in the country along with 560 deaths, putting almost 20 million people at risk. IFRC writes: ‘31% of the cases are in children under five years old.’
Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal disease that can kill within hours if left untreated. It mostly affects people who have inadequate access to safe water and basic sanitation. Whilst many of those infected have either no or mild symptoms, others need to be treated with oral rehydration solution or intravenous fluids and antibiotics.y
