Zambia's floods could lead to disease, warns UN

Unicef have stressed the need for urgent action in Zambia in order to stem the risk of outbreaks of infectious diseases in the country.

The organisation has pledged to more than US$1 million in emergency assistance in order to address fears that the recent floods could result in outbreaks of diarrhoea, cholera, and malaria, as the waters recede.

Aid will include tents, school supplies, and basic household items for around an estimated 70,000 Zambians whose homes have been washed away.

Claudia Hudspeth, Unicef's emergency coordinator, said: "As floodwaters recede, the risk of disease outbreaks - diarrhoea, cholera, and malaria - are severe, especially from stagnant water sources and contaminated wells.

"Urgent action is crucial to prevent outbreaks of diseases, which are of great concern at the onset of a crisis, especially among children."

Lusaka and Southern, which have HIV prevalence rates of 22 per cent and 18 per cent respectively, are two of the country's most severely affected provinces.

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