Haut-Katanga 1: Education authorities request logistical support from UNICEF to protect pupils from cholera epidemic in schools

Education officials from Haut Katanga 1 held a working session with representatives from UNICEF’s education, WASH, and communications departments on Tuesday, February 6, 2024. The purpose of the meeting was to find rapid solutions to combat the cholera outbreak in schools. Speaking during this training session, the director of the educational province, Joseph Mwinkeu Tshiend, requested logistical support from UNICEF to assist public primary schools located in the health zones most affected by cholera. The provincial chief inspector, Nicolas Nyange Bizy, emphasized the need for urgent intervention by UNICEF, particularly in public primary schools where the effects of free education are evident. Following discussions and the sharing of information regarding the cholera epidemic, officials from the three UNICEF departments pledged to conduct a feasibility study and assess the logistical resources at their disposal to confirm their contribution to this effort to combat cholera in schools, launched by the education authorities. Among the urgent needs, the Haut-Katanga 1 educational province is requesting handwashing stations, chlorine, hand sanitizer, and medical-grade soap. This UNICEF intervention will focus on schools located in the hardest-hit health zones, such as the Kenya health zone, the Vangu health zone, and the Kisanga health zone. It is worth noting that in this effort led by the province’s education officials, the emphasis is on strict adherence to school hygiene. These officials stress the regular maintenance of school sanitation facilities and the installation of at least three or four handwashing stations equipped with medical-grade soap. They also emphasize the sanitation of school grounds, weed control, and classroom maintenance to provide children with a healthy and comfortable environment conducive to a good education. Dan de Dieu Kayanda and Cephora Kokanzo