Zambia's cholera death toll hits 28

LUSAKA, ZAMBIA - Jan 13 2009 12:46

Cholera deaths in Zambia have reached 28 as the Southern African nation battles to contain about 2 000 reported cases of the disease, according to radio reports on Tuesday.

Ministry of Health spokesperson Cannisius Banda told a private radio programme that traffic from neighbouring Zimbabwe and poor water and sanitation systems, mainly in Zambia's peripheral urban areas, have contributed to the spread of the water-borne disease.

Banda said Zambia had assessed the cholera situation in Zimbabwe and, rather than close its border, would assist patients from Zimbabwe in border areas with drugs and foods.

The government also planned to provide $400 000 in aid, he said.

Zimbabwe's cholera epidemic has claimed 1 700 lives since August and more than 30 000 people have become infected.

South Africa on Monday reported 2 000 infected and 13 dead from cholera. -- Sapa-dpa

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