Lusaka – Mukuru (www.Mukuru.com) has partnered with the Zambia Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit under the Ministry of Health, to bring much-needed aid to tackle the cholera outbreak in that country.
The aid donated by Mukuru included hand washing soap, disinfectant, hand sanitisers, baby diapers, chlorine, protective sanitary gloves, and ORS packs to rebalance fluids in the body.
At least 62 districts across the country are battling the cholera outbreak, placing the vaccination rollout under pressure as stocks face increased demand.
The Zambian government declared a new cholera outbreak in October 2023, which began in Lusaka province.
As of 18 January 2024, 10 887 cases and 432 deaths were reported across nine of the country’s 10 provinces.
Mukuru Country Manager, Ken Mbewe, said: “I am pleased to report that we successfully carried out the donation on the morning of 5 February, at the Lusaka District Health Office, following the ministry’s guidance in the ongoing fight against cholera.
“The donated items will be distributed to various treatment centres by the health office.”
Mbewe added: “The dedicated medical support teams on the ground are making commendable efforts, deserving support from all quarters.
“I shared gratitude and appreciation for their hard work and commitment to improve the situation.
“We at Mukuru have felt compelled to partner with them in support of their efforts to improve health in our communities, and we are aware that the situation is expected to worsen again with the rains expected at the end of this week.”
Mukuru said its operations have been affected by the cholera outbreak with nine of its booth locations across different city councils and a container branch in Kitwe temporarily closed.
The closures were in line with the guidelines of the relevant councils.
“It is our duty,” Mbewe said, “as an organisation that is strongly entrenched in the Zambian community, to serve the community when in need.”
Mukuru reminded customers and the wider community to take the following steps to minimise the spread of cholera:
- Make use of the Oral Rehydration Points being set up within communities – their location has been circulated by the Ministry of Health through the Lusaka District Health Office.
- Always wash your hands with soap and clean water before, during, and after preparing food.
- Use only bottled or boiled water to drink, wash, and prepare food.
- Pay particular attention to washing hands thoroughly with soap and clean water after using the toilet or changing a baby’s nappy.
Mukuru advised residents who experience any symptoms such as diarrhoea or vomiting, to seek medical attention at their nearest healthcare facility immediately.
