Evaluating the Influence of Rainfall Patterns and Inadequate Municipal Solid Waste Management on Cholera Outbreaks in Lusaka, Zambia.

Abstract

The cholera crisis remains a recurring public health and socioeconomic concern for several urban and peri-urban communities across the globe, especially in developing countries like Zambia. It has various risk factors including hydroclimatic conditions, poor sanitation and hygiene practices, inadequate water supply and improper waste management practices among several others. In this study, the combined impact of rainfall and poor municipal solid waste disposal on cholera incidence in Lusaka was examined by incorporating both qualitative and quantitative methods particularly household surveys, field assessments and statistical analysis. Lusaka is the capital city of Zambia known to be both an economic hub and cholera hotspot especially during the rainy season due to the many informal settlements existent there. The findings of the study confirmed poor domestic waste disposal practices in the study area which interact with rainwater causing blockages, water stagnation and contamination. Unfortunately, residents were seen exposing themselves to this water when faced with water supply disruptions, thereby creating favorable pathways for cholera bacteria. Spearman’s rank correlation assessed the relationship between rainfall and cholera for the duration 1994 to 2024, and a moderate positive correlation was found between the two variables with a correlation coefficient of 0.394 and a p-value of 0.028. However, rainfall alone could not be concluded to cause cholera but its interaction with other risk factors such as domestic waste undeniably creates a conducive environment for the transmission of cholera bacteria. Several challenges for effective municipal solid waste management in Lusaka were highlighted including outdated and unmonitored strategies, and the non compliance of residents. The study underscores multiple opportunities with the potential to facilitate the implementation of climate-sensitive measures and policy interventions thus should be explored by authorities to prevent cholera. It further emphasizes the need for adequate stakeholder identification and inclusion in the formulation of policies and strategies for guaranteed compliance to sustainable domestic waste practices amid climate change.