In October 2017, a cholera outbreak was declared in Lusaka, Zambia. To date, there have been 3,484 cases with a total of 71 deaths. While the daily number of new cholera cases (28) has stabilized, getting clean, safe drinking water to where it is needed most remains a major challenge.

On Tuesday 30th January, 2017, CMMB Country Director, Batuke Walusiku-Mwewa was interviewed by veteran health reporter Linord Moudou. During the conversation, Batuke shared information about the current situation, the cause of the outbreak, and about how CMMB is working to respond to this and other health issues impacting those living on the peripheries of care.

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CMMB country director, Batuke Mwewa, speaks with Health Minister Chitalu Chilufya at the Ministry of Health in Lusaka recently.

CMMB country director, Batuke Walusiku-Mwewa, speaks with Health Minister Chitalu Chilufya at the Ministry of Health in Lusaka recently.

“As a country, we are facing a very difficult time, one that creates a level of shame. While acknowledging that there are actions that we may have benefited from doing much earlier, before we were hit by cholera, the fight needs to start with us, community members, at the household level. We need to keep our environment clean, work on policy that provides short and long-term solutions and implement it. We are in a state of public health emergency and we recognize that there is a lot we can do, but we cannot do it alone. We need all hands on board so we can have clean water, acceptable sanitation and behavior that supports a cholera-free environment. We cannot afford to lose another life! It is my humble plea that people, organizations and governments who have stood by us will continue to join hands with us as we fight this epidemic.” – Batuke Walusiku-Mwewa

Read about CMMB’s response to cholera in Lusaka

Learn more about our work in Zambia

 

Health Chat is a live call-in program that addresses health issues of interest to Africa. The show puts listeners directly in touch with guest medical professionals. It includes a weekly feature spot, health news and comments from listeners on health issues. The program is hosted by veteran health reporter Linord Moudou.