THE right word to describe the cholera outbreak in Lusaka is, deplorable.
We wonder why our communities should sit with folded arms till there is an outbreak of a disease whose cause is known to do with poor sanitation and hygiene.
Here we are grappling with a water borne disease that has now become synonymous with appearance of rains, mangoes and mushrooms.
In most African societies, our hygiene and sanitation leaves much to be desired and was the concern of District Commissioners in colonial Zambia who were incensed by the lack of toilets in many African settlements.
Up to date some people especially in rural areas prefer using the bush to digging a pit latrine because such people think using such a facility has a stigma.
In urban areas, many which are crowded, some irresponsible people throw hygiene considerations to the wind by selling foodstuffs which are not covered.
Worse still some people don’t wash their hands after using the lavatories or before handling food making days like Global Hand Washing Day that falls on October 15, worthwhile in Zambia.
It is really sad that a country that has been independent for half a century is being placed on high alert of cholera prevention activities following the quarantine of seven people at Lusaka’s Kanyama Clinic.
As you read this opinion, people are selling food in unhygienic surroundings oblivious of the health dangers of such practices.
We should put all efforts together to ensure the figure remains in two figures digits since failure to do this would rapidly double the number or even triple it.
Having said this, we are heartened by Government’s hasty intervention since officials visited the scene yesterday to analyse what needs to be done to contain the outbreak.
Like the officials, we are equally disappointed at the poor levels of sanitation and hygiene in the area visited.
However, this is time for action which calls for a multi-sectoral approach involving all stakeholders like the ministry, citizens, NGOs and the Church to ensure that all necessities were put in place.
Nevertheless, we should bear in mind that with improved sanitation and hygiene, cholera cases can be reduced or even eradicated.
Note that cholera outbreaks are much less frequent in developed countries where governments have helped to establish water sanitation practices and effective medical treatments.
The United States, for example, used to have a severe cholera problem similar to those in some developing countries in the 1800s.
We should avoid a recurrence of the cholera epidemic that hit Kitwe and Lusaka in the 90s claiming hundreds of victims many who were buried in  mass graves.
The power is literally in our hands. Comment