Cholera

Community health workers have helped reduce the number of cholera cases in Kanyama Compound in Zambia by going door to door and holding impromptu classes at communal water points to explain how disease can be prevented and how the sick can be treated.

Since the devastating cholera epidemic that broke out in Zimbabwe in the first part of 2009, Oxfam and a local partner in Bulawayo have been working with communities to improve sanitation and protect against future outbreaks. Nicole Johnston reports.

Malnutrition rates up, cholera reported, millions of live stock lost, aid agency calls for boost in appeal funds

November rains that were expected to ease the hunger crisisread more

School visit in Lusaka, Zambia for UNICEF-supported cholera campaign - “Your life is in your hands”

When we arrived at the Twalumba Basic School we are immediately greeted by the District Commissioner, Ms. Christah Kalulu. Ms. Kalulu explained that the students were waiting patiently to see Banja, a traditional drama group.

the government has not adequately addressed some of the underlying causes (1-7, below), PHR believes the likelihood of increased cholera deaths is high once the rainy season begins in November. Time is running out before the last chance for preventive action.

It's pretty amazing how little Iraq is in the news these days. After all, there are still approximately 130,000 American troops in the country, (though between 35,000 and 50,000 troops are expected to pull out of Iraq by August). And there are still bombings every week that kill innocent Iraqis, including children.

As a former journalist, I've been to a lot of meetings. School boards, planning commissions, city councils, all manner of community gatherings. Some were contentious, some productive, but the majority fell into one or all of these three categories: tedious, forgettable, and decidedly unremarkable.

Zimbabweans continue to suffer through the worst cholera outbreak in Africa in fifteen years. According to a new report by the Red Cross, nearly 100,000 cases of cholera have been reported throughout the country, and over four thousand people have died.

Miriam Aschkenasy and Oxfam Ambassador Emile Hirsch attend a community meeting in Mudzi, Zimbabwe. Photo: Nabil Elderkin / Oxfam America

Positive changes are starting to take root in Zimbabwe. Now is the time to start investing in its future, according to Oxfam CEO Barbara Stocking.
My visit to Zimbabwe turned out to be quite a surprise. I expected, a flattened, depressed place with people worn out by the lack of food and then cholera.