Zambia Faces Health Threats Amidst Severe Drought
The country is bracing for a cascade of health challenges as severe drought conditions continue to exacerbate existing economic hardships.
Key health threats are emerging, particularly in water and sanitation sectors, raising the risk of infectious diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea, and acute respiratory conditions.
Economic expert Kelvin Chisanga highlights the urgent need for a multi-faceted response to these compounded challenges.
“The current economic conditions, worsened by the ongoing drought, present insurmountable challenges. It is crucial to develop multi-hazard preparedness strategies and strategic response plans,” said Chisanga.
He emphasises the importance of robust government support and active private sector engagement in mitigating these threats.
Immediate actions are essential to ensure adequate health supplies and equipment. Strengthening disease surveillance and reporting systems is vital, particularly for unexpected outbreaks.
Enhancing the healthcare system’s capacity and ensuring robust community engagement are also critical steps.
Training healthcare workers and community volunteers in readiness and response strategies is a priority to manage potential disease outbreaks this year.
