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The Medical for Quality Health in Zambia (MQHZ) has urged the government to provide targeted support, including emergency food aid, healthcare services, vaccinations, and disease surveillance in flood-affected areas.
MQHZ Director General, Dr. Quincy Mwabu, noted that the devastating floods, particularly in Lusaka, had destroyed homes, displaced families, and pose a severe threat to public health.
In a statement issued on Monday, Mwabu warned that the contamination of water sources and the breakdown of sanitation systems had heightened the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera and diarrhea.
“The situation demands a swift response to prevent disease outbreaks, injuries, and other health risks,” he said.
He stated that children, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic illnesses were particularly vulnerable and called for the immediate mobilization of emergency response teams to provide essential services.
Mwabu also highlighted the psychological toll of the disaster, urging the government to deploy mental health professionals, establish psychological first aid programs, and offer counseling services to affected communities.
“As we address immediate needs, we must also invest in long-term solutions, including flood-resistant healthcare facilities, early warning systems, and climate-resilient water and sanitation infrastructure,” he stated.
He further called on the government to allocate more resources for disaster risk reduction and management while urging Zambians to unite in supporting those affected.
“Let us stand together as a nation and demonstrate our resilience in the face of this crisis,” Mwabu said.
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