Lusaka Province Permanent Secretary Stephen Bwalya says government is doing everything possible to prevent the outbreak of cholera and other diarrhoea diseases in Lusaka.
Mr. Bwalya says cholera pandemic has become a perennial problem in Lusaka district and that government through the district Commissioner’s office is making every effort to reduce the outbreaks this year.
Mr. Bwalya was speaking today during the Luska District Disaster Risk Reduction Sensitization programmes at Twalumba Basic School in Linda compound.
Mr. Bwalya said the initiative taken by the District to sensitize the school going children in areas which experienced the highest cholera cases last year, must be commended and should spread to all parts of the country.
He noted that the wash your hands with soap sensitisation campaign started in Lusaka District is aimed at alleviating problems being faced by the vulnerable people in the compounds.
Mr. Bwalya said it is important to educate the children on the need to keep their hands germ free so that the risk of infection is reduced.
And UNICEF, Zambia Communcation for Development Specialist James Simasiku said his organisation will continue to support programmes aimed at educating the children in the prevention of diseases such as cholera and diarrhoea.
Mr. Simasuku said he was happy with the sensitisation campaign as it would go a long way in reducing waterborne diseases in children.
And in a vote of thanks, representative of Matero Member of Parliament Elijah Chilmboyi commended Lusaka District Commissioner Christah Kalulu, UNICEF and other cooperating partners for their positive attitude towards hygiene.
The sensensitisation campaign was carried out under the theme ” wash your hands with soap, your life is in your hands”
[ZANIS]
This desease is found among the dirty. Aren’t you ashamed of your dirt, RB? Clean up, mushimani!
Wow! I was #s 1 and 2, right? Seriously, how much does it take to clean up and give our people clean water? Instead of dedicating resources to bribery and protecting thieves like Kafupi, can we dedicate ourselves to making next year “the year of clean water for 50 per cent of our people” and without the usual cheap, cheap politicking? When I go to Plot 1, I’ll do just that. Ask me how.
Here is some free consultancy advice on cholera from a Public Health point of view. In 1854 there was an epidemic of cholera in Britain. Dr John Snow demonstrated this was caused by people using the same pump for water in Broad street. When the pump was removed the cholera cases were eradicated. Adequate water supplies and sewage systems were installed and the slums were cleared thus the epidemic eradicated. I noticed in Zambia there are a lot of pumps in rural areas where most people get their water from….or children drink from when playing outside. Sanitation is something the goverment needs to sort out.
#3 I meant when the handle of the pump was removed Cholera cases in the area reduced