UNICEF works to ensure education system is not interrupted by cholera

UNICEF in conjunction with its partners is working on ensuring that the education system in vulnerable rural communities across the country is not disrupted following the outbreak of cholera.

UNICEF is currently on a drive to implement vaccination programmes to tackle cholera outbreaks in eastern and southern Africa.

In Zimbabwe, UNICEF is working in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Child Care to conduct single-dose oral cholera vaccination (OCV) campaigns targeting 2,3 million people in 24 high-risk districts over a period of 12 months.

The roll-out of the OCV campaign in Zimbabwe is part of the multi-sectoral cholera response led by the Government and supported by UNICEF and its partners in affected areas, prioritising improved support and treatment to people infected by cholera.

This also includes securing access to safe water and sanitation, and disseminating messages on cholera prevention and treatment.

In a statement, UNICEF said it is working with governments and local partners to ensure that learning for children in rural communities is not interrupted.

“In some countries, 52 percent of all cases are children under 15 years, with children under 5 accounting for approximately 40 percent of deaths and 30 percent of cases,” said the organisation.

“In addition to large-scale national cholera vaccination campaigns led by governments, in collaboration with UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners, supported by dedicated community-based volunteers and health workers, UNICEF is working with governments and local partners to ensure that children’s learning is not interrupted,” read the statement.

UNICEF said it is working on ensuring that rural communities have unlimited access to clean water, sanitation facilities, health supplies and medical products.

The organisation said it will be providing support through human capital to strengthen the capacity of community-based volunteers, including young people and health workers, to reduce the risks of future outbreaks.

“The preparedness and response that UNICEF has been able to provide to date would not have been possible without the generous and timely support of its partners. For UNICEF to scale up and respond effectively and equitably based on need, flexible resources will play a critical role,” said the organisation.

As part of its regional response to the cholera outbreaks, UNICEF is collaborating with WHO, Africa CDC, governments, and other partners to coordinate cholera response at regional and country levels.

The organisation is the co-lead for community protection which includes water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) and risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) for behaviour change.

UNICEF has provided emergency health, water and sanitation supplies as well as medical products including cholera treatment kits and equipment to establish cholera treatment facilities.

“More than 8,3 million people have been reached with critical water, sanitation, and hygiene supplies. UNICEF has facilitated the delivery of over 26 million OCV doses to eight priority countries with high cholera burden in the region which include Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Somalia, South Sudan, Zambia and Zimbabwe,” said UNICEF.

The organisation said it also conducts training of frontline and community health workers on case management, WASH as well as infection prevention and control in treatment facilities.

“UNICEF reached 10 million people with messages on health and hygiene measures to prevent cholera and the importance of seeking medical treatment early, particularly for children. UNICEF continues to advocate for children’s learning to remain uninterrupted and for the implementation of protective measures in schools,” said UNICEF.