CHOLERA CONTINUES

...as closure of Kachasu busineses affects livelihoods in affected communities.


By Alfonso Kasongo
Zambia has continued recording new cases of cholera with 167 cases being registered in the  last 24 hours.

This  brings the cumulative total to 17,930 case since the disease was first recorded in October, last year.

The epidemic has,however, triggered the extension of the reopening of schools and colleges, as well as closure of businesses such as the brewing of high potent traditional alcoholic beverage (spirit) called Kachasu.

Kachasu continues to be used by the locals in most rural and peri urban communities to prevent and treat the disease, on assumption that the illicit spirit prevents the contraction of the diarrhoeal disease.
Journalist Alfonso Kasongo demonstrates the drinking of Kachasu as he interacts with some brewers in George compound in Lima Ward of Matero constituency-Lusaka/ file

But the affected brewers have condemned government's action saying the move has lobbed them income that supports their livelihoods.

Loveness Phiri, one of the affected brewers says " for sure I never expected such action considering the current economic situation in the country."

"Imagine ,the basic cost of living for a family of five here in Lusaka, is about K10,000..how can the so called pro poor government take such a ruthless action, yes we know government needs to protect lives but the action is inhuman for us in poor communities," she adds.

According to the Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) daily cholera update, the country has recorded 5 deaths ,2 at health facility and 3 in communities bringing the total number of deaths to 635 since October, 2023.

However, community death continue to lead with cumulative total of 375 compared to 260 deaths registered at health facilities.

Meanwhile 183 patients have been discharged leaving  247 in admission.

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