ZAMBIA: Cholera halts school feeding

Photo: IRIN

Some 26,000 children affected by school feeding halt

JOHANNESBURG, 23 February 2004 (IRIN) - The cholera epidemic in Zambia has forced the World Food Programme (WFP) to suspend 107 of its 179 school feeding programmes. WFP spokeswoman Lena Savelli told IRIN on Monday that the decision to "suspend the feeding in these schools follows reports from government and local media that these areas are affected by cholera". In its latest situation report, WFP noted that the cholera epidemic continued to record casualties. "On 12 February, the Minister of Health issued a public notice declaring urban Lusaka and Mpulungu District (in the Northern Province) infected areas," WFP said. "To date, more than 110 people have died from the disease and a further 2,100 people have been infected." The cholera outbreak began in November last year and has impacted on WFP's urban intervention programme, run with implementing partner Project Concern International. "Currently, out of the 179 schools and centres enrolled in the programme, feeding has been stopped in 107 schools. This is affecting approximately 26,740 vulnerable children who are enrolled in the programme," the WFP reported. Savelli said the school feeding programme in the affected areas would "remain suspended until local government declares these areas cholera free". In a bid to limit the spread of the disease the government had closed down some markets, including the large Soweto market in Lusaka, which re-opened last week. The Central Board of Health had earlier told IRIN that the restriction of movement from areas affected by cholera, and the prevention of large gatherings, such as weddings and funerals, were a top priority.