Cause Detail
United for Health: Bushbaby Foundation’s Community Action During Zambia’s Cholera Outbreak
A Retrospective on Social Impact and Partnership in a Time of Crisis
In late 2023, Zambia faced a devastating surge in cholera infections, with Lusaka and surrounding districts like Chongwe at the center of the crisis. By early 2024, the country had reported over 16,400 confirmed cases and more than 600 deaths, placing the national fatality rate at 3.9%—alarmingly higher than the global average.
As the outbreak intensified between December 2023 and February 2024, the Bushbaby Foundation joined forces with Oval Mining, Cooperlemon Consultancy, Power Divine Missions, and BIODOT Medical Supplies to bring critical support to affected communities. This united effort exemplified the power of corporate social responsibility in Zambia and the importance of acting swiftly in times of public health emergencies.
Bushbaby Foundation’s Cholera Response in Chongwe District
Responding to urgent community needs, the Bushbaby Foundation and its partners launched a health support initiative that delivered essential sanitation supplies to Kanakantapa Health Center and Evergreen Primary School in Chongwe. The donated items included:
- Over 500 bottles of chlorine
- 100 bottles of Jik
- Sterile gloves and facemasks
- Printed awareness materials for public health education
These supplies played a crucial role in helping the local health center combat the outbreak and educate residents on safe hygiene practices.
Community Leaders Recognised the Impact
Mrs. Harriet Chabala, Sister-in-Charge at Kanakantapa Health Center, received the donation on behalf of the Chongwe District Health Office. She expressed sincere gratitude to the Bushbaby Foundation and its partners, acknowledging their quick response to the Ministry of Health’s call for help.
Mrs. Chabala also appealed to more institutions in the area to step up and give back to the community, especially given the ongoing challenges faced by healthcare facilities like hers. She emphasized the need for collective cooperation between residents and the Ministry of Health to defeat the outbreak.
Also present at the handover were Mr. Kalima Kwenda, Area Councillor, and Mr. Mwakoi Sililo, Director of Housing and Social Services at Chongwe Municipal Council. They commended the joint initiative and recognized other ongoing development efforts in the area—such as:
- The construction of ablution blocks at Evergreen Primary School
- A community tree planting campaign
- The sponsorship of a local school football team
These projects, they said, showed how lasting impact can be achieved when the private and nonprofit sectors collaborate with local leadership.
Support Extended to Schools Ahead of Reopening
In anticipation of the government’s announcement on the reopening of primary and secondary schools, the Bushbaby Foundation and partners extended their donation efforts to support safe learning environments. Evergreen Primary School received an additional:
- 200 bottles of chlorine
- 50 bottles of Jik
- Various cleaning materials
These contributions were handed over to Mrs. Lucy Chipeta Njobvu, the District Education Standards Officer, who thanked the Foundation and its partners for prioritizing learner safety. She reiterated the government’s vision to ensure that all schools offer clean and safe learning spaces for every child.
A Legacy of Compassion and Responsibility
This response effort underscored the Bushbaby Foundation’s unwavering commitment to the well-being of Zambia’s rural communities. Together with like-minded partners, the Foundation helped mitigate the spread of cholera while strengthening ties between local institutions, schools, and the private sector.
The cholera outbreak in Zambia served as a stark reminder of the urgent need for public-private partnerships in health and development. Through this initiative, the Bushbaby Foundation helped turn crisis into opportunity—demonstrating how coordinated action, compassion, and shared responsibility can bring hope and relief to communities in distress.
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Causes
- Gender Equality
- Child Protection
- Education
- WASH (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene
- Human Rights
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