Zambians are weary of the continued threat to their survival. Unfortunately, it looks like this is only the beginning. Many have coined the outbreaks of coronavirus, cholera, and now the drought as a "triple tragedy."
In October 2023 Zambia was hit by a cholera outbreak. Cholera is an acute diarrhea infection caused by bacteria that is typically spread via contaminated food or water. The disease is strongly linked to poverty and inadequate access to clean water. The National Heroes Stadium, a 60,000-seat soccer stadium was converted to a medical treatment facility to contain and treat the outbreak. Over 500 patients were treated at a time. Despite the best efforts of medical professionals and the arrival of vaccines, almost 700 people lost their lives. Like coronavirus, the first threat in the triple tragedy, Cholera closed schools, and businesses and halted effective trade.
In January of this year, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema declared the drought a national disaster and emergency. This year's drought and extreme temperatures have led to water scarcity, crop failures, and significant agricultural losses. Wallace and Bertha share that people are crying out, fearful of how they will survive. The government will only provide a 25kg bag of Mealie Meal or maize to a group of 10 families to SHARE once a YEAR. That is less than 5lbs of maize per family to live on! Because of the high rate of inflation, many vulnerable families will starve.
What does this mean for Zambians in the villages?
Because of the drought, crops that were planted were destroyed. Their main staple, maize, is ground and used to make mealy meal which is used to make their staple food; nshima. There is a major shortage, and families are very limited in what they can buy from the grocery stores (if they can afford it). As mentioned, the government offers very limited assistance. They will have to rely on imports from other countries like South Africa, causing even more inflation.
It's a very tough situation that's hard to put into words. The people that are served by DHOA, orphan and vulnerable children, widows, elderly, and disabled, are hit especially hard as they don't have a reliable income source and are often forgotten about. Through your love and generosity, we continue to serve these amazing people who were created in the image of God and loved by God. We can only do so much though. We serve a small population in Zambia, but the problem is huge. Please pray for the vulnerable in Zambia and worldwide!
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