Zambia’s classrooms have fallen silent, and church pews are filling with caution as the country grapples with a surging cholera outbreak. With over 7,800 cases and 150 deaths since October, the bacterial nightmare has prompted drastic measures, with schools delaying reopening and churches stepping up as crucial allies in the fight.
The school bells remain silent until at least January 29th, a necessary pause to curb the spread of the disease that can swiftly steal lives through dehydration and relentless diarrhoea. But education isn’t the only sector taking a pause. Churches across Zambia have received a mandate to reshape their routines, with worship sessions capped at two hours and the sale of food within their premises strictly prohibited. Handshakes and hugs, once staples of religious fellowship, are now discouraged, replaced by a focus on hygiene.
A high-ranking official overseeing religious affairs emphasised the need for churches to prioritise hygiene. Safe drinking water, designated handwashing stations, and readily available hand sanitisers are now mandatory, transforming churches into beacons of health awareness.
This intervention isn’t just about safeguarding the faithful, it’s about collective responsibility. With every worshipper who washes their hands diligently, the risk of transmission weakens. Every shortened service reduces the chance of contact and potential spread. Churches, with their deep roots in communities, are becoming crucial partners in tackling this public health crisis.
Zambia’s fight against cholera is far from over, but the sight of churches embracing their role in the battle offers a glimmer of hope. It’s a reminder that even in the face of a devastating outbreak, communities can come together, adapt their traditions, and emerge stronger, healthier, and more united.