Metro

3 dead, scores infected as cholera hits Cameroon’s Minawao refugee camp

Published

2 years ago

October 19, 2022

The recent outbreak of Cholera is yet suicide as the country recently recorded the death of three people and 39 infected in the Minawao refugee camp in Cameroon’s Far North region.

The United Nations made the announcement on Wednesday that it was “deeply saddened by the deaths of three refugees from cholera.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said in a statement that it was working “with the Cameroonian government and UN agencies (…) to provide urgent care for those who are ill and to break the chain of transmission.

Cameroun’s Health Minister in March said in a thread of posts on the micro-blogging platform Twitter. “Between March 16 and 22, an outbreak of cholera was observed in the South West region with more than 300 cases, that is, 43 cases and 20 deaths in Kumba, 111 cases and 2 deaths in Buea, 122 cases in Limbe, 68 cases and 05 deaths in Tiko. Also 16 cases and 02 deaths in Yaounde”, Dr. Malachie said on Twitter.

Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholera. Cholera remains a global threat to public health and an indicator of inequity and lack of social development.

The UNHCR further said as of Tuesday, “24 of the 39 patients were receiving treatment” at health facilities in Minawao. UNHCR said the patients were “in serious but stable condition,” while 12 people “have recovered and returned home.”

“Drinking water sources and sanitation facilities have become insufficient” in the face of the camp’s growing population, which has “almost doubled” since 2015 to now accommodate nearly 75,000 people.

Researchers have estimated that every year, there are roughly 1.3 to 4.0 million cases, and 21 000 to 143 000 deaths worldwide due to cholera.

Related Topics:Cameroon cholera Featured

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Metro

World Bank pledges $3b to support Zambia’s development goals

Published

14 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The World Bank Group has pledged to avail Zambia with approximately $3 billion to support the country’s development goals under the new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for 2025-2029, with nearly half of the funds already disbursed.

World Bank Country Manager, Achim Fock, who made this known at the CPF launch at the Mulungushi Conference Centre in Lusaka on Wednesday, outlined the global lender’s focus areas, which included enhancing jobs, human capital, and climate resilience.

Fock highlighted that $200 million had been approved to strengthen Zambia’s social protection programs, including the Refugee and Host Community Project.

He also expressed optimism for upcoming approvals, including the Climate and Economic Resilience Financing and the Zambia-Tanzania Interconnector.

Zambia’s Finance and National Planning Minister, Situmbeko Musokotwane, who also spoke at the event, noted that 2.3 million Zambian households have so far benefited from social protection interventions such as the Cash for Work Programme, emphasizing the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives amid crises like the recent drought.

Musokotwane further reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting lives during times of crises such as the recent drought.

“More than two thirds of the Zambian population was affected by the drought. It was the government’s view that the first priority was to save lives,” Musokotwane stated.

Metro

Chinese mining giant CNMC set for $1.6 billion investment in Zambia

Published

2 days ago

November 13, 2024

Isaac Dachen

A Chinese mining giant, China Nonferrous Metal Mining Company (CNMC), has announced the investment of over $1.6 billion in Zambia, following successful discussions with President Hakainde Hichilema at the State House on Tuesday.

CNMC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Wen Gang, who held the discussions with Hichilema along with the Chinese Ambassador to Zambia, Han Jing, confirmed the company’s commitment to furthering Zambia’s economic development.

“We are actively investing in critical sectors of Zambia’s economy,” Gang said after the meeting.

He noted that CNMC was currently pumping water from Shaft 28 at Luanshya Copper Mine, where 29.9 million cubic liters have been cleared as part of intensified dewatering efforts, adding that the company plans to inject an additional $200 million to develop a greenfield mine on the Copperbelt.

President Hichilema who welcomed CNMC’s commitment, highlighted the potential economic impact of the firm’s investment which will include job opportunities for Zambians.

“This $1.6billion investment, alongside advanced technology and expansion, will extend operations and create more jobs and opportunities for Zambians, especially in mining contracting and supply,” the President said.

He also expressed gratitude to Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Chinese government for their shared commitment to fostering growth and cooperation between the two countries.