Zambia’s schools reopened on Monday following the government’s efforts to combat cholera, which are showing positive results, according to a statement from the Zambian Ministry of Education.
The ministry assured that it will continue to conduct inspections in schools across all 10 provinces of the country, paying particular attention to the capital, Lusaka, where the cholera outbreak has been most concentrated.
Authorities emphasised that the ministry has mandated schools to ensure the provision of clean and safe water that is readily accessible to students. Additionally, the installation of chlorinators has been recommended to further enhance water safety.
Originally slated to resume on January 8, the opening of schools was postponed to January 29 and then to February 12 due to a surge in cholera cases.
Recent data from the Zambian Ministry of Health indicates a decline in new cholera cases, with 145 cases reported on February 11, down from 163 the previous day.
Since the cholera outbreak began in October of last year, Zambia has recorded a total of 18,407 cases and 647 deaths.