Germany gives Zambia K14.3M to combat cholera

THE Government of the Federal Republic of Germany, through KfW Development Bank has swiftly responded to the current Cholera outbreak that has continued to ravage Zambian communities and has given Zambia K14.3 million (EUR 500,000) to support Government through UNICEF in implementing crucial interventions to curb the spread of cholera.

According to a statement yesterday, the emergency funding is designated for Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) initiatives, focusing on the epicenter of the outbreak in Lusaka Province.

The statements stated that the financial support would cover the procurement of chemicals for water treatment at collection points, distribution of critical hygiene supplies, and reinforcement of intensified water quality monitoring and hygiene sensitization efforts.

It said the targeted beneficiaries were approximately 200,000 individuals residing in Lusaka's Cholera hotspots.

“Zambia has faced recurring Cholera outbreaks in recent years, with the current situation being particularly severe, recording over 11,000 cumulative cases since October 2023. Recognizing the urgency of the matter, the German Development Cooperation's financial support aims to complement the Zambian government’s effort to facilitate rapid and decisive multisectoral actions, with a primary focus on WASH interventions to contain the spread of Cholera,” the statement said.

It said KfW Development Bank, acting on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, had been actively collaborating with the Zambian Government to finance infrastructure projects dedicated to improving water supply, sanitation, hygiene, and integrated water resources management.

The statement said the WASH portfolio, managed in partnership with Commercial Utilities and UNICEF was presently amounting to K4.5 billion (EUR 157.3 million).

“The German government and its cooperating partners remain committed to closely monitoring the situation in coordination with the Zambian Government and supporting urgent measures to mitigate the impact of the Cholera outbreak,” the statement said.