The Zambian government announced that all school-aged children, about 4.3 million, will remain at home due to a cholera outbreak.
The outbreak has killed more than 500 people and affected 13,000 since October 2023, according to UNICEF.
Children have missed the first five weeks of school, contributing to one of the highest malnutrition rates in the world. The crisis is being linked to climate change, weather, and underfunded crises in Zambia’s healthcare and education systems, contributing to the vulnerability of children.
Amid the pandemic and the worsening health crisis, children are bearing the brunt of the situation. They are at risk of child marriage, forced labor, violence, abuse, and exploitation due to the prolonged closure of schools.
Save the Children is working with the Zambian government to contain the spread of cholera and provide water, hygiene services, case management, and health staff at cholera treatment centers.
The organization has been providing support to children and families impacted by drought, floods, and the climate crisis in Zambia.
