Managing cholera in limited resource settings: the case of the Lusaka Cholera Epidemic of 2009-2010

Abstract

Purpose is to illustrate that even with limited resources cholera can still be managed adequately to controllable levels which significantly reduce on the morbidity, mortality and excess drain on resources.

Material and methods: A situational analysis was made upon whose basis interventions were constituted. These included contact tracing, social marketing and behavioral intervention. Communities were engaged on cholera and their contribution towards its negative impact and how they could help ameliorate the situation.

Active intervention was done on the stagnant pools of water and to kill the cholera bug.

Results: There was significant reduction in cholera cases which came down to zero over the three years that the interventions were instituted.

Conclusion: Even in resource-limited settings, cholera can still be managed adequately if worked on proactively.