Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary for Technical Services Kelvin Mambwe has urged schools to maintain high standards of sanitation and hygiene to prevent the spread of cholera among learners. Dr Mambwe has called for heightened vigilance in maintaining hygiene and…

Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary for Technical Services Kelvin Mambwe has urged schools to maintain high standards of sanitation and hygiene to prevent the spread of cholera among learners.

Dr Mambwe has called for heightened vigilance in maintaining hygiene and sanitation standards in schools following reports of cholera and diarrhoeal diseases in Lusaka district.

Speaking during a tour of selected schools in Lusaka district to assess sanitation and hygiene measures in view of the cholera outbreak, Dr Mambwe said Head teachers, teachers and learners must remain vigilant by ensuring that schools have safe water, adequate soap and proper waste management systems.

He noted that prevention remains critical in protecting children and preventing cholera outbreaks from escalating into a crisis.

“Cholera prevention is a collective responsibility requiring the participation of school administrators, teachers and learners,” added Dr Mambwe.

Dr Mambwe said any health and sanitation risks identified during the inspection would be discussed with the relevant authorities so that appropriate action could be taken.

He commended the management of David Kaunda STEM School for maintaining high standards of cleanliness despite the inspection being conducted without prior notice.

He has encouraged other schools to emulate the measures being implemented at the school to safeguard learners and staff.

He further urged trained teachers and health personnel at schools to screen learners who show signs of diarrhoeal.

“Learners presenting with symptoms should not be allowed into classrooms but should instead be isolated and attended to through the available school health facilities, with referrals to nearby health facilities where necessary,” said Dr Mambwe.

He charged that the inspection was not intended to find fault with school management but to reinforce the responsibility shared by school administrators, teachers and learners in maintaining a safe environment.

“Clean schools, safe water and good hygiene practices will save lives,” said Dr Mambwe.

He added that maintaining good sanitation was particularly important in preventing disruptions to teaching and learning, including the forthcoming examinations.

David Kaunda STEM School Head teacher Maureen Tonga disclosed that the school is facing high utility costs.

Ms Tonga said the school, which has a population of about 1,000 learners, has about K54, 000 water and sewerage bill, with approximately 16,000 Kwacha going towards sewerage, adding that electricity costs the school about K38, 000 per month, putting additional pressure on its resources, particularly while waiting for government grants.

Ms Tonga disclosed that the school also has a government provided solar system, which helps supplement the school’s electricity supply, further calling for additional investment in water infrastructure, particularly the provision of another pump, to enable the school to maintain a reliable water supply.

And Chipata Primary School Senior Teacher Matthews Sakala said the school has continued to face challenges with its sanitation system, particularly the toilets and water supply due to vandalism.

Mr Sakala said some water points at the school were not functioning and that leaking taps and toilets had also contributed to water wastage and sanitation concerns.

He explained that the school had been carrying out maintenance work where possible to address the problems and maintain acceptable sanitation standards.

“We are trying to work on that, so that we still have good sanitation for the school and the children,” said Mr Sakala.

Meanwhile, Justin Kabwe Secondary School Deputy Head teacher Aisha Mbewe said the school conducts weekly health sensitisation sessions through a duty Rota involving teachers responsible for health matters.

Ms Mbewe said the sensitisation programmes cover various health issues, including hygiene practices, with learners regularly reminded about the importance of washing their hands after using the washroom facilities.

“The school has three water taps and designated water points where learners can wash their hands,” said Ms Mbewe.

Ms Mbewe, however, said the school occasionally experiences interruptions in water availability, attributing the occasional interruptions to factors such as blockages and climatic conditions.

She disclosed that the school has also maintained its sanitation facilities and uses appropriate cleaning chemicals to keep the toilets safe for learners, adding that the school regularly chlorinates its water as part of measures to ensure that it is safe for consumption and use.