THE Scottish Government is to give £500,000 to help fight a “severe and rapidly growing” cholera epidemic in Zambia, International Development Minister Christina McKelvie has announced.
The money is being donated following an emergency appeal by the International Red Cross, and will help to pay for vaccinations, contact tracing and supplies of safe drinking water.
It comes after Zambia reported 14,900 confirmed cases of the disease by January 27, with 560 deaths recorded.
READ MORE: Tories accused of ‘hypocrisy’ over Alister Jack’s WhatsApp messages
With all 10 of Zambia’s provinces affected, the outbreak has put a strain on local health services, while schools throughout the country have been closed in a bid to prevent the disease from spreading.
McKelvie said: “The next few weeks will be crucial to prevent this severe and rapidly growing cholera epidemic from escalating further.”
Ahead of Zambia’s rainy season, she said the majority of “vulnerable communities” have no access to clean water and sanitation facilities, which are essential to prevent the spread of cholera.
The funding from the Scottish Government represents its “ongoing commitment to ensure Scotland fulfils its role as a good global citizen through international development and humanitarian work, as well as our longstanding partnership with Zambia,” the minister said.
Rob Murray, Scotland director for the British Red Cross, said: “Volunteers and staff from the Zambian Red Cross Society are leading the response to the cholera outbreak in the country, alongside the Zambia Ministry of Health, and this funding will help to carry out vital training for volunteers who will be at the forefront of the response in the affected communities.
“Speed is critical in dealing with an outbreak such as this, therefore we are extremely grateful for the swift response and leadership the Scottish Government has shown in providing these funds.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel