Amidst Zambia's recent challenges, including a national emergency declared due to a devastating drought, the urgency to address the ongoing cholera crisis remains paramount. 

President Hakainde Hichilema's declaration of a national emergency highlights the gravity of the situation, exacerbated by the El Niño weather phenomenon, influenced by climate change. This prolonged dry spell has not only decimated food production and electricity generation but has also severely impacted over one million hectares of land crucial for cultivating maize, Zambia's staple crop. 

Drought and cholera

The declaration of a national emergency comes in the wake of a deadly cholera outbreak, further exacerbating the country’s ability to withstand the harsh effects of the drought. 

Amidst the dual crises of cholera outbreak and severe drought, President Hakainde Hichilema's recent plea to the international community, partners within the country, the private sector, the church and civil society organisations, to support the government’s plan financially and materially, in mitigating the devastating effects of the drought, underscores the gravity of the situation.

Impact of cholera

Cholera has been endemic in Zambia since 1977. The recent outbreak that occurred between October 2023 and March 2024 stands as the most severe among the 33 outbreaks that have occurred in the past 47 years, resulting in over 22,000 cases and more than 700 fatalities. Children and women were disproportionately affected by disruptions to education, increased caregiving responsibilities and disruption to livelihoods. 

A significant number of affected households and communities are characterized by inadequate access to improved sanitation, safe drinking water, as well poor hygiene conditions and behaviours.

Our appeal to eradicate cholera

WaterAid is actively engaged in supporting Zambia’s national initiative to eradicate cholera by 2025. Without ensuring access to safe water, improved sanitation infrastructure, and the promotion of good hygiene practices and behaviours, this will not be possible. We appeal for urgent support that will go towards:

  • Enhancing access to safe water supply, improved sanitation and good hygiene in priority areas
  • Raising awareness of the detrimental impacts of cholera and mobilizing increased support towards the elimination programme
  • Ensuring the multi-sectoral Cholera Elimination Plan is fully resourced and implemented to ensure the cholera elimination by 2025. 

Duration and target population

The Recovery and Preparedness Response will be integrated into our health programming throughout the Country Strategy period (2023-2028). This initiative will cover all geographical areas of our Country programme, with a focus on vulnerable and marginalized communities residing in cholera hotspot areas. 

Lusaka Province has carried the brunt of this crisis, with nearly 17,500 reported cases and over 500 deaths, primarily concentrated in the capital city, Lusaka. 

Although there have been some improvements, thousands of people remain at risk in unsafe conditions without water, sanitation and hygiene. 

With your invaluable support, we can prevent the occurrence and spread of cholera. 

Funding required 

It will take GBP500,000 to reach 1.5 million women, children and girls in over ten communities. 

Your support is crucial in helping us achieve these objectives and make lasting improvements in public health across Zambia. 

Working together, we can end cholera. 

Thank you for your support.