Eliminating cholera in Zanzibar: launching the national plan
Access to WASH is critical to both the prevention of and response to cholera outbreaks.
Nearly two years ago, partners of the Global Task Force on Cholera Control (GTFCC) launched a global plan to end cholera by 2030. The roadmap targets a 90% reduction in cholera deaths by 2030 and the elimination of cholera in at least 20 countries out of the 47 currently affected.
One of the countries included in this is the United Republic of Tanzania, and on Tuesday 10th September 2019, Zanzibar hit a milestone, with the official launch of the Zanzibar Comprehensive Cholera Elimination Plan (ZACCEP). The launch took place in Stone Town, with the Guest of Honour, the President of Zanzibar. The event was attended by key stakeholders from Government, NGOs, CSOs and media, and they all demonstrated their commitment in eliminating cholera in Zanzibar with the slogan - Zanzibar bila kipindupindu inawezekana! (Zanzibar without cholera is possible).
Since 1978, Zanzibar has faced around 70 outbreaks of cholera, citing around 40,000 cases, with just over 200 deaths. The plan outlines the strategy for improving access to WASH, along with other interventions, such as the vaccine, to ensure cholera is eliminated by 2030.
WaterAid Tanzania supported the Ministry of Health to put this plan together, along with colleagues from WaterAid UK, and the plan has a large focus on improved access to WASH. Additionally, WaterAid Tanzania will now begin a six month project in Zanzibar, piloting a model aiming to eliminate cholera. The model is looking at three key innovations: improved liquid waste management through construction of the Decentralised Wastewater Treatment System (DEWATS), water treatment UV technology, and a Behaviour Centred Design (BCD) campaign.
