Browsing by Author "Siamalube, Beenzu"

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    Cholera in Zambia: Explanatory Factors and Mid-term Impact of the Sustainable Development Goals
    (AJRID, 2024) Siamalube, Beenzu; Ehinmitan,Emmanuel; Ngotho,Maina; Onguso, Justus; Runo, Steven
    Cholera, a highly contagious disease caused by Vibrio cholerae, poses a severe public health threat, especially in low- and middle-income countries with limited access to clean water and adequate sanitation. Symptoms such as acute watery diarrhoea, vomiting, and muscle cramps can lead to rapid dehydration, and without timely treatment, cholera can be fatal. Globally, cholera incidence has increased significantly, with World Health Organisation data showing a rise from 223,370 cases in 2021 to 472,697 in 2022, with the number of affected countries growing from 35 to 47. In Zambia, cholera outbreaks are recurrent, particularly during the rainy season, with 30 outbreaks recorded between 1977 and 2018. Fishing camps in rural areas and densely populated peri-urban areas, particularly in the Copperbelt and Lusaka provinces, report the highest incidences, attributed to inadequate waste management and poor drainage. This study investigates the factors influencing cholera dynamics in Zambia, focusing on climate variability, population density, and water and sanitation infrastructure. This study employs a mixed-methods approach, analysing historical cholera records, climate data, and socioeconomic factors since 1977. The article seeks to identify correlations between environmental and socioeconomic variables and cholera incidence, to guide effective public health strategies. The findings aim to support Zambia’s efforts to eliminate cholera within its borders by 2025, aligned with the Multisectoral Cholera Elimination Plan and Vision 2030
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    The Persistent Challenge of Cholera in Africa: A Complex Interplay of Factors
    (RPHB, 2024-12) Siamalube, Beenzu; Ehinmitan, Emmanuel; Runo, Steven; Onguso, Justus; Maina, Ngotho
    Cholera remains a formidable public health challenge across Africa, disproportionately impacting marginalized and vulnerable populations [1]. The disease's persistence underscores its multifaceted nature, rooted in more than just the biological characteristics of Vibrio cholerae. Instead, it reflects a complex interplay of environmental, social, economic, and systemic factors, each compounding the difficulty of effective prevention and control [1,2]. Africa continues to bear the highest burden of cholera globally, with recurring outbreaks that cause significant morbidity and mortality, often overwhelming already fragile healthcare systems [3]. The disease frequently strikes regions plagued by inadequate access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure [3,4]. These deficiencies create fertile ground for the bacterium's proliferation, particularly in densely populated urban slums and rural areas with limited public health outreach. Climate change further exacerbates the problem, with extreme weather events such as floods and droughts creating conditions conducive to cholera outbreaks [5].