DEDICATION

"This field project is dedicated to my loving parents, who have been the driving force behind
my success. Their unwavering support, guidance, and encouragement have enabled me to
pursue my dreams and make a positive impact in the world. I am grateful for their
selflessness, love, and dedication to our family's well-being, which have shaped me into the
person I am today. This project is a testament to their hard work, sacrifices, and commitment
to providing me with the best possible opportunities in life. I hope it makes them proud and
brings a smile to their faces, knowing that their efforts have not gone unnoticed. Thank you,
Mom and Dad, for being my rock, my inspiration, and my everything. I love you both more
than words can express."
Abstract:

Cholera remains a significant public health concern in Kanyama Compound, Zambia, with
recurrent outbreaks causing substantial morbidity and mortality. This study investigates the
causes and effects of cholera in Kanyama Compound, highlighting the interplay between
socio-environmental factors and healthcare system limitations. Poor waste management,
inadequate water and sanitation infrastructure, and overcrowding create an environment
conducive to cholera transmission. Additionally, limited access to healthcare services,
delayed treatment, and inadequate hygiene practices exacerbate the spread of the disease. The
effects of cholera in Kanyama Compound include high morbidity and mortality rates,
economic burdens, social and community disruption, long-term health consequences, and a
strain on healthcare systems. Addressing the root causes of cholera, improving healthcare
infrastructure, and implementing effective prevention and control measures are crucial to
reducing the incidence and impact of cholera in Kanyama Compound, [Kanyama et al, 2018].

Keywords: Cholera, Kanyama Compound, Zambia, Causes, Effects, Public Health,

Healthcare Systems.
Introduction

According to Mwape et al. (2016), Cholera is a diarrheal disease caused by the bacterium
Vibrio cholera, typically spread through contaminated water and food. Kanyama Compound,
a densely populated residential area in Lusaka, Zambia, has experienced recurring cholera
outbreaks due to a combination of factors.

Objectives:

 To identify the causes of cholera in Kanyama Compound, including water and

sanitation infrastructure, hygiene practices, and environmental factors.
 To assess the effects of cholera on the community, including morbidity, mortality,
economic burden, and social impacts.
 To evaluate the existing healthcare services and response to cholera outbreaks in
Kanyama Compound.
 To develop recommendations for improving water and sanitation infrastructure,
hygiene practices, and healthcare services to reduce the incidence of cholera in
Kanyama Compound.

Methodology:

 Literature Review: Conduct a thorough review of existing research on cholera in

Zambia, focusing on Kanyama Compound.
 Field Observations: Conduct field observations in Kanyama Compound to assess
water and sanitation infrastructure, hygiene practices, and environmental factors.
 Household Surveys: Conduct household surveys to gather data on cholera cases,
healthcare-seeking behaviour, and economic impacts.

Expected Outcomes:

 Identification of the underlying causes of cholera in Kanyama Compound.

 Assessment of the effects of cholera on the community, including morbidity,
mortality, economic burden, and social impacts.
 Evaluation of existing healthcare services and response to cholera outbreaks in
Kanyama Compound.
Causes of cholera in kanyama Compound

Cholera is a significant public health concern in Zambia, with Kanyama Compound being
one of the high-risk areas. This field project aims to investigate the causes and effects of
cholera in Kanyama Compound, identifying the underlying factors contributing to the spread
of the disease and the impact on the community, [Kanyama et al, 2018].

Inadequate Water and Sanitation Infrastructure: The contamination of water sources and the
inadequacy of sanitation systems significantly contribute to the propagation of cholera. This
has led to the recurrent outbreak of cholera in Kanyama Compound, posing substantial
challenges to the health and growth of children, particularly during the rainy season,
[Bandura, Albert. 1991].

Overcrowding and Poor Living Conditions: The high-density residential area of Kanyama
Compound, with its limited access to clean water and sanitation, creates an environment
conducive to the spread of cholera. Notably, Kanyama Compound accommodates
approximately 70% of Lusaka's population, making it challenging to control the spread of
cholera unless a significant portion of the population adheres to WHO regulations,
particularly in densely populated areas like Kanyama Compound, [Ministry of Health, 2020].

Food Vending and Street Food: Consuming contaminated food, especially from street
vendors, increases the risk of contracting cholera. In Kanyama, many vendors lack
knowledge of proper hygiene practices, leading to the proliferation of contaminated food and
contributing to the prevalence of cholera in the Compound. Access to clean food and a clean
environment is essential for a healthy and fulfilling life, [Bandura, Albert. 1991].

Limited Access to Healthcare: The scarcity of healthcare services and delayed treatment
exacerbate the severity of cholera outbreaks. In Kanyama Compound, healthcare facilities are
limited, and this has devastating consequences, particularly for children. The lack of prompt
medical attention results in a high mortality rate among those affected by the disease.
Furthermore, the scarcity of healthcare facilities and the considerable distance to clinics in
town make it challenging for individuals, especially the vulnerable, to access medical care,
leading to an increased number of cholera-related deaths in Kanyama each year, [ Ministry of
Health 2020]

Inadequate Waste Management: The improper disposal of waste and inadequate drainage
systems significantly contribute to the contamination of water sources, exacerbating the
spread of cholera. In Kanyama Compound, the lack of effective waste management has
reached crisis levels, with residents dumping garbage haphazardly, and rainwater
exacerbating the problem during the rainy season. If this issue is not addressed, cholera will
continue to be a persistent problem in Kanyama Compound every year, [WHO, 2019].

Photo by Google........
Effects of Cholera in Kanyama Compound

High Morbidity and Mortality Rates: Cholera outbreaks can result in substantial numbers of
cases and deaths, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.
This can only be mitigated by increasing the number of healthcare facilities, training more
healthcare personnel, and educating the community on cholera prevention and management,
[Bandura, Albert. 1991]

Economic Burden: Cholera outbreaks can lead to considerable economic costs, including
healthcare expenses, lost productivity, and impacts on trade and tourism. The economic
burden is further exacerbated by the need for external funding to support healthcare facilities
and revitalize economic activities, which can strain the country's economy, [WHO, 2019].

Social and Community Disruption: Cholera outbreaks can lead to restrictions on gatherings,
closures of markets and schools, and curfews, causing significant social and community
disruption. This can have long-term effects on social cohesion and community development.

According to Ministry of Health (2020), long-term Health Consequences: Cholera can have
severe long-term health consequences, including kidney damage and other complications,
especially if left untreated or poorly managed. This can lead to a significant strain on
healthcare systems and resources.
Strain on Healthcare Systems: Cholera outbreaks can overwhelm healthcare systems,
diverting resources from other essential health services. This can lead to a decline in overall
healthcare provision and exacerbate the existing healthcare challenges in Kanyama
Compound, [ Mwape et al. 2016].

case Study: Kanyama Compound

Kanyama Compound, a densely populated residential area in Lusaka, has experienced

recurring cholera outbreaks due to a combination of factors, including:

 Limited Access to Clean Water: Residents rely on shallow wells and commercial
water vendors, increasing the risk of contamination.
 Inadequate Sanitation: The area lacks a sewer system, and residents use pit latrines,
which can contaminate water sources.
 Overcrowding and Poor Living Conditions: High population density and inadequate
housing contribute to the spread of cholera.
  Food Vending and Street Food: The area has a high concentration of street vendors,
increasing the risk of consuming contaminated food.

Data presentation

The data on inadequate Access to Clean Water says that, a staggering 95% of residents rely
on shallow wells and commercial water vendors, highlighting the urgent need for a reliable
and clean water supply to combat the spread of cholera.

Overcrowding and Poor Living Conditions, data shows that with 70% of Lusaka's population
residing in Kanyama Compound, the area's high population density and inadequate housing
exacerbate the spread of cholera.

Food Vending and Street Food has a high risk of contracting cholera and according to the
data collected, the high concentration of street vendors in Kanyama Compound poses a
significant risk of contamination, as many vendors lack proper hygiene practices and
sanitation facilities.
The scarcity of healthcare services and delayed treatment in Kanyama Compound have
devastating consequences, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and the
elderly. And inadequate Waste Management: Improper disposal of waste and inadequate
drainage systems contribute significantly to the contamination of water sources, perpetuating
the spread of cholera.

Looking at my data collected, on the High Morbidity and Mortality Rates, Cholera outbreaks
result in substantial numbers of cases and deaths, particularly among vulnerable populations
such as children and the elderly.

Cholera outbreaks impose considerable economic costs, including healthcare expenses, lost
productivity, and impacts on trade and tourism, straining the country's economy. This has
proved by the data collected within the Compound and this has surely distributed to the
national's economy.

The data collected on Social and Community Disruption says that, Cholera outbreaks lead to
restrictions on gatherings, closures of markets and schools, and curfews, causing significant
social and community disruption.

According the data collected, Cholera can have severe long-term health consequences,
including kidney damage and other complications, especially if left untreated or poorly
managed. Strain on Healthcare Systems: Cholera outbreaks overwhelm healthcare systems,
diverting resources from other essential health services and exacerbating existing healthcare
challenges.
Government measures on cholera issues in kanyama Compound

These measures demonstrate the government's commitment to addressing the cholera crisis in
Kanyama Compound and ensuring the well-being of its residents.

 Water Quality Monitoring: Regular testing of water sources to identify and address
contamination.
 Sanitation and Hygiene Interventions: Implementing measures to improve sanitation
and hygiene practices, including the distribution of chlorine and the construction of
latrines.
 Health Education: Conducting public awareness campaigns to educate residents on
cholera prevention and management.
 Establishment of Cholera Treatment Centres: The government has set up dedicated
cholera treatment centres in Kanyama Compound to provide prompt and effective
medical care to affected residents.
 Water Quality Monitoring: Regular water quality tests are conducted to identify and
address contamination sources, ensuring safe drinking water for residents.
 Distribution of Water Purification Tablets: The government has distributed water
purification tablets to households in Kanyama Compound, enabling residents to treat
water in their homes.
 Improved Sanitation Infrastructure: The government has invested in upgrading
sanitation facilities, including constructing new latrines and improving drainage
systems to prevent waste contamination.
 Public Health Education Campaigns: Intensive public health education campaigns
have been launched to raise awareness about cholera prevention, symptoms, and
treatment among residents.
 Food Vending Regulations: The government has implemented strict regulations for
food vendors, ensuring they maintain proper hygiene standards and sell safe food to
residents.
 Waste Management Enhancement: The government has enhanced waste collection
and disposal services, ensuring regular removal of garbage and reducing
environmental contamination.
  Collaboration with NGOs and Stakeholders: The government has partnered with non-
governmental organizations (NGOs) and local stakeholders to amplify efforts in
combating cholera, sharing resources, and expertise to achieve a cholera-free
Kanyama Compound.

Recommendations:

 Improve Access to Clean Water: Install additional boreholes and water points, and
ensure regular maintenance to provide reliable and safe drinking water.
 Enhance Sanitation Infrastructure: Construct modern latrines, improve drainage
systems, and promote proper waste disposal practices.
 Strengthen Public Health Education: Conduct regular awareness campaigns,
workshops, and training programs to educate residents on cholera prevention,
symptoms, and treatment.
 Implement Food Safety Regulations: Enforce strict hygiene standards for food
vendors, markets, and restaurants, and conduct regular inspections.
 Enhance Waste Management: Increase waste collection frequency, provide adequate
waste disposal facilities, and promote recycling.
 Support Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) Initiatives: Empower local
communities to take ownership of sanitation improvements and promote behavior
change.
 Improve Healthcare Services: Upgrade healthcare facilities, increase medical
personnel, and ensure timely access to cholera treatment.
 Promote Good Hygiene Practices: Distribute soap, hand sanitizer, and water
purification tablets, and encourage handwashing and proper hygiene.
 Collaborate with NGOs and Stakeholders: Foster partnerships to leverage resources,
expertise, and funding to support cholera prevention and control efforts in Kanyama
Compound.
 These recommendations address the root causes of cholera, improve sanitation and
hygiene, enhance healthcare services, and promote community-led initiatives to
prevent and control cholera outbreaks in Kanyama Compound.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the following individuals who have supported
me throughout my research on the causes and effects of cholera in Kanyama Compound:

My parents, Mr. and Mrs. for their unwavering support, guidance, and encouragement
throughout my academic journey. My uncle, for his valuable insights and expertise in the
field of public health.

My friends, Elizabeth Nvula and Chansa Kunda, for their contributions to the data collection
process and their moral support throughout the research.

I am grateful for the time, effort, and resources invested in this research by all individuals
involved. Your contributions have been invaluable, and I am proud to acknowledge your
support. Thank you.
 REFERENCES

Kanyama et al. (2018). Cholera outbreak in Kanyama Compound, Zambia: An epidemiological

investigation. Journal of Public Health, 40(3), e1-e8.

Ministry of Health (2020). Zambia National Cholera Response Plan. Lusaka: Ministry of Health.

Mwape et al. (2016). Cholera outbreaks in Zambia: A review of the epidemiology and control
measures. Journal of Infectious Diseases, 214(12), 1769-1776.

WHO (2019). Cholera. World Health Organization. Retrieved from (link unavailable).

WHO, 11 December 2009. 517 Meeting of the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on immunization,
October 2009 – conclusions and recommendations. Weekly Epidemiological Record (WER), 84(50),
p. pp 517–532.
WHO, 26 March 2010, vol. 85, 13 (pp 117–128). 117 Cholera vaccines: WHO position paper. Volume
85, p. 117–128.–
Bandura, Albert. 1991. “Social Cognitive Theory of Self-Regulation.” Organizational Behavior and
Human Decision Processes 50 (2): 248–87. https://doi.org/10.1016/0749-5978(91)90022-L.