CARE Zambia Steps Up Cholera Response

-

Lynee, a Community-Based volunteer, showcases part of CARE Zambia's contribution distributed 

to support the fight against Cholera. Gift Katuta/CARE International



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Lusaka, Zambia – February 2nd, 2024 – The cholera outbreak in Zambia has now surpassed 15,000 cases and 590 deaths. One of the factors for this is the stigma, which deters individuals from seeking treatment, leading to an increase in "Brought in Dead" cases. In response, CARE Zambia is actively disseminating crucial messages to minimize stigma. Additionally, the organization has pledged a $40,000 grant to bolster response efforts in Lusaka, Southern, and Eastern Provinces.

 

The announcement came during a visit to Chelston Level One Hospital in Lusaka by Chikwe Mbweeda, CARE Zambia Country Director. "Since the October 2023 outbreak, cholera has spread to 62 districts across all 10 provinces," stated Mbweeda. "While the government-led response is crucial, low funding, limited healthcare capacity, and ongoing water and sanitation issues continue to hamper progress. CARE is committed to collaborating with the government and communities to overcome these challenges and save lives."

 

Chikwe Mbweeda, CARE Zambia Country Director handed over the IPC Material to the In-charge at 

Chelston Level One Hospital during the CARE's emergency response launch. Gift Katuta/CARE International



During her visit, Mbweeda presented the Lusaka District Health Office with essential supplies including granular and liquid chlorine, water storage buckets, megaphones, soap, and disinfectant handwash. This donation aims to support infection prevention, and community outreach, and address the crucial role of Community-Based Volunteers (CBVs) in disseminating information and facilitating referrals. The donated megaphones will empower CBVs to reach more people with life-saving information and address stigmas within communities.

 

Dr. Janet Muyunda, representing Lusaka DHO, expressed gratitude: "This timely support is crucial. We urge other organizations to follow suit while commending the dedication of CBVs who operate despite significant challenges."

 

While CARE's contribution provides vital support, the broader need for resources remains immense. The organization urges other stakeholders, including international donors and private sector partners, to step up their efforts and join the fight against this deadly disease.

 

#END#

Images can be accessed here

For media inquiries, please contact:

Gift Katuta , Development Coordinator - Communications & Advocacy, | CARE Zambia via gift.katuta@care.org 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Sudan's Silent Suffering: Urgent Action Required to Remedy Worsening Situation

-
Image
CARE Sudan's Country Director Abdirahman visited a CARE-supported clinic. CARE International in Sudan. Abdirahman Ali, CARE Sudan's Country Director, issued this statement to draw urgent attention to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Sudan. In his recent visit to Kassala, Abdirahman saw the plight of the internally displaced people, after fleeing conflict from Sinnar and Sinjah, with temporary homes and limited basic needs. Abdirahman was uniquely positioned to witness the unfolding humanitarian disaster firsthand while understanding the broader implications and needs.   "Muna, a 43-year-old woman displaced from Sennar, exemplifies the suffering we're witnessing," said Abdirahman Ali CARE Sudan's Country Director. "She along with her husband, who is an amputee, and five children and thousands of others fled the conflict with nothing. They now face unimaginable conditions – lack of food, clean water, and sanitation – in makeshift camps in overcrowded sc
Read more

Khadija: A Beacon of Hope for Girls' Education in Somalia

-
Image
CARE supports girls in Somalia to access education and to stay in school. At just 16, Khadija* has achieved something remarkable: she became the top student in Jubaland state, Somalia, in the national Grade 8 exams. Her success is a personal victory and a powerful testament to the transformative impact of the Girls' Education and Empowerment Program (GEEPS) in Somalia. One that may not have been reali z ed due to circumstances beyond her control.     Khadija , born into a big family in Kismayo, knows firsthand the struggles girls face in Somalia. Education is a distant dream for many girls, held back by poverty, droughts, early marriage, the constant threat of conflict, dwindling resources that forced parents to prioritize boys' education, and harmful traditions that kept them from reaching their potential. Khadija 's goal of becoming a teacher seemed almost unattainable , overshadowed by her community's harsh realities of life.     "I used to watch other girls
Read more

DRC: Local Women group's advocacy influencing the health center to be built

-
Image
By Alice Bikuba, CARE DRC Reporting and Communication Officer. Fabiola Kambere in her field at Sake/CARE International in DRC. “I am more than a rural woman because through the Village Savings  Loan Association Network I take part in advocating for my community and results are visible.” - Fabiola, Faida Yetu VSLAN   Fabiola is a member of the Faida Yetu Network of Village Savings and Credit Associations (VSLAN) set up by CARE's Gender Equality Women Empowerment Program (GEWEP) in 2019. The Faida Yetu RAVEC, of which Fabiola is a member, is made up of women who advocate for the implementation of the joint plan to improve the health center (CS) in Kaduki (Sake). This advocacy led to the mobilization  of funds to purchase a plot and i nfluence the direction of funding from the health structure development program (PDSS) to the construction of a maternity building, a placenta pit, and a latrine at CS Kaduki.   These advocacy actions are carried out in the context of supporting the impl
Read more