The spread of COVID19 in Zambia is beginning to gather pace as community transmission takes hold. Initial efforts carried out by the Ministry of Health (MoH) and Zambian National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) maintained the numbers below 40 for a few weeks, with the majority of these cases being flown into the country. However, as of 24th April there are now 84 confirmed cases of COVID19 (almost double the number of previous weeks), and the spread of the confirmed cases is moving out from Lusaka and Kafue (Central Province). 8 of these cases were confirmed on 24th April. There has now been one confirmed case from Choma (in Southern Province), and the rate of testing suggests that numbers could be much higher. The MoH and ZNPHI are moving quickly to put measures in place to prepare for the spread as they establish dedicated zones within health facilities for suspected and confirmed cases, but a severe shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is putting health workers at risk.

15 health workers (17% of cases) currently have the virus in Zambia, because they are working in high risk environments unprotected. PPE is now available within Zambia, but it is not making it to the places where it is most needed. Southern Province has been identified as a high risk area due its multiple border crossings and quarantine centres, but the hospitals and health facilities do not have access to PPE currently. We are seeking support to procure much needed PPE for the Southern Province Provincial Health Office so they they can distribute this to the health workers that need this most.