PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema yesterday called on citizens to adhere to the health guidelines being given by health authorities on containing the cholera outbreak.
Mr Hichilema said, “We can only defeat cholera if we work together.” He further called on citizens to do everything within their power to avoid contracting the disease.
The President’s call to citizens to adhere to the health guidelines and to unite in fighting the disease is spot-on.
In the face of cholera, collective well-being must take precedence over personal convenience. The basic tenets of hygiene, sanitation and responsible waste disposal, which form the foundation of the health guidelines, are not mere suggestions; they are the essential tools with which to wage war against this public enemy that has taken the lives of so many of our brothers and sisters.
Our people must realise that the implementation of these health guidelines is not a burden, but a duty – a duty to oneself, one’s family, and one’s community.
Each individual must understand the pivotal role they play in halting the spread of cholera and safeguarding the health of their fellow citizens.
To those who may question the impact of their individual actions, it is paramount to understand that every act of compliance with these health guidelines is a direct assault on the common enemy. Each hand washed, each piece of garbage properly disposed of, and each instance of responsible hygiene brings us closer to eliminating the disease and achieving our public health and safety goals.
Mr Hichilema also assured that Government would continue putting measures to contain the spread of cholera and bring it to a halt.
Since the outbreak of the disease last October, Government has put in place a raft of measures to contain it. It has implemented targeted interventions to improve sanitation and hygiene in affected areas. Access to clean water and proper sanitation is essential in preventing the spread of cholera, and Government is working to address these critical issues by providing clean water sources, promoting hygiene practices and improving sanitation.
The Ministry of Water and Sanitation has started mounting 10,000-litre tanks of clean water, over 200 of them, in choleraprone townships in Lusaka and has dispatched water bowsers to provide clean drinking water to residents. Several water tanks have so far been mounted across the townships. Rehydration points have also been set up across communities.
Additionally, the ministry has also engaged 10 vacuum tanker contractors to empty 20,000 pit-latrines as part of measures instituted to combat the disease.
These efforts are crucial in breaking the cycle of transmission and reducing the risk of further outbreaks.
The deployment of healthcare workers to affected areas is another vital component of Government’s response. By providing medical care and support to those affected by cholera, these front-line workers are playing a crucial role in saving lives and mitigating the impact of the outbreak. Their dedication and efforts deserve recognition and support as they work tirelessly to care for those in need and contain the spread of the disease.
Government has launched public health awareness campaigns to educate the population about the importance of hygiene, sanitation and early detection of cholera symptoms.
Minister of Health Sylvia Masebo has led mobile cholera sensitisation outreach programmes in areas most prone to the disease.
Empowering communities with knowledge and information is integral to preventing the further spread of the disease.
These campaigns play a crucial role in engaging the public and mobilising a collective effort to combat the outbreak.
It is important to acknowledge that addressing the cholera crisis requires a multi-faceted approach, and the Zambian government has demonstrated a commitment to implementing a comprehensive strategy to contain the outbreak.
This includes collaboration with international and local players to leverage expertise, resources and technical support in the fight against cholera. Government’s willingness to engage in partnerships and seek assistance underscores its determination to tackle the crisis effectively.
Indeed, the Zambian government’s efforts to combat cholera are praiseworthy. We believe that if citizens do their part in the fight against this disease, it will only be a matter of time before the scourge is contained.
Government’s efforts to combat cholera laudable
PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema yesterday called on citizens to adhere to the health guidelines being given by health authorities on containing the cholera outbreak.
Mr Hichilema said, “We can only defeat cholera if we work together.” He further called on citizens to do everything within their power to avoid contracting the disease.
The President’s call to citizens to adhere to the health guidelines and to unite in fighting the disease is spot-on.
In the face of cholera, collective well-being must take precedence over personal convenience. The basic tenets of hygiene, sanitation and responsible waste disposal, which form the foundation of the health guidelines, are not mere suggestions; they are the essential tools with which to wage war against this public enemy that has taken the lives of so many of our brothers and sisters.
Our people must realise that the implementation of these health guidelines is not a burden, but a duty – a duty to oneself, one’s family, and one’s community.
Each individual must understand the pivotal role they play in halting the spread of cholera and safeguarding the health of their fellow citizens.
To those who may question the impact of their individual actions, it is paramount to understand that every act of compliance with these health guidelines is a direct assault on the common enemy. Each hand washed, each piece of garbage properly disposed of, and each instance of responsible hygiene brings us closer to eliminating the disease and achieving our public health and safety goals.
Mr Hichilema also assured that Government would continue putting measures to contain the spread of cholera and bring it to a halt.
Since the outbreak of the disease last October, Government has put in place a raft of measures to contain it. It has implemented targeted interventions to improve sanitation and hygiene in affected areas. Access to clean water and proper sanitation is essential in preventing the spread of cholera, and Government is working to address these critical issues by providing clean water sources, promoting hygiene practices and improving sanitation.
The Ministry of Water and Sanitation has started mounting 10,000-litre tanks of clean water, over 200 of them, in choleraprone townships in Lusaka and has dispatched water bowsers to provide clean drinking water to residents. Several water tanks have so far been mounted across the townships. Rehydration points have also been set up across communities.
Additionally, the ministry has also engaged 10 vacuum tanker contractors to empty 20,000 pit-latrines as part of measures instituted to combat the disease.
These efforts are crucial in breaking the cycle of transmission and reducing the risk of further outbreaks.
The deployment of healthcare workers to affected areas is another vital component of Government’s response. By providing medical care and support to those affected by cholera, these front-line workers are playing a crucial role in saving lives and mitigating the impact of the outbreak. Their dedication and efforts deserve recognition and support as they work tirelessly to care for those in need and contain the spread of the disease.
Government has launched public health awareness campaigns to educate the population about the importance of hygiene, sanitation and early detection of cholera symptoms.
Minister of Health Sylvia Masebo has led mobile cholera sensitisation outreach programmes in areas most prone to the disease.
Empowering communities with knowledge and information is integral to preventing the further spread of the disease.
These campaigns play a crucial role in engaging the public and mobilising a collective effort to combat the outbreak.
It is important to acknowledge that addressing the cholera crisis requires a multi-faceted approach, and the Zambian government has demonstrated a commitment to implementing a comprehensive strategy to contain the outbreak.
This includes collaboration with international and local players to leverage expertise, resources and technical support in the fight against cholera. Government’s willingness to engage in partnerships and seek assistance underscores its determination to tackle the crisis effectively.
Indeed, the Zambian government’s efforts to combat cholera are praiseworthy. We believe that if citizens do their part in the fight against this disease, it will only be a matter of time before the scourge is contained.