Loved Ones Lost: Families Mourn as Cholera Claims Lives in Zambia

Andrew Kazadi was deeply traumatised after his 26-year-old nephew died of cholera in Zambia's capital, Lusaka. The country is currently experiencing a cholera outbreak, with over 15,000 cases and almost 600 deaths recorded since October. Kazadi expressed his concern that if they didn't hurry, his nephew would be buried without a proper coffin, similar to the restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Heroes Stadium in Lusaka has been transformed into a treatment center, with constant ambulance sirens and patients being brought in or taken for burial. Kazadi's nephew, Charles, was initially taken to a clinic after suffering from diarrhoea and vomiting, before being transferred to the stadium where he passed away. The family's deep faith has helped them cope with their loss, as they put their trust in God. The government's guidelines for burials state that bodies should be handled as little as possible to reduce the risk of infection. Only five relatives are allowed to attend the burial. There are also cases where families don't know the fate of their loved ones due to overwhelmed health workers unable to provide information about their condition. The government has set up a call center to help families trace missing individuals. Zambia has experienced multiple cholera outbreaks, with the latest one being the worst since 2017. WaterAid has called for increased investment and improved coordination to address the root cause of the disease - the lack of clean water and proper sanitation. Poor neighborhoods, known as compounds, are the hotspots for cholera, with inadequate waste management, pit latrines near water sources, and poor drainage. The government has implemented measures such as banning the digging of shallow wells and selling food in unhygienic conditions. President Hakainde Hichilema has promised to upgrade informal settlements and prevent new ones from emerging. While long-term solutions include decongesting cities, the priority now is to prevent further loss of life through a vaccination campaign. Around 1.6 million vaccine doses have been administered, with concerns about covering the hotspots. Vaccine hesitancy exists among some religious groups and young men who believe they don't need the vaccine due to their strong immune system or the belief that drinking beer kills the cholera bacteria. Health Minister Sylvia Masebo aims to educate these groups and emphasize the importance of vaccination and sanitation practices.