Emergencies
ZOA responds to emergencies affecting communities we partner with, whenever possible. In 2024 we responded to the cholera crisis after the government forced schools to close for five weeks in January and February to contain an outbreak that claimed over 700 lives in Zambia. ZOA funded disinfectant, soap and outdoor taps that helped improve sanitation and allowed schools to reopen to students safely.
School closures and movement restrictions disrupt children’s routines and separate them from the networks they rely on and the safety of schools, leaving many of the most vulnerable children even more exposed to exploitation and abuse – this is why ZOA supports strategies that help children return to the classroom safely during public health emergencies like cholera and COVID-19.
When out of school children often experience…
- Violence against children and sexual exploitation rise when safe spaces and support networks are disrupted.
- Children who are out of school often end up engaged in child labour.
- There have been increases in underage pregnancies and early marriages during periods of school closures.
- Poor mental health already experienced by vulnerable children is exacerbated.


Health education and basic sanitation is poor in Zambia with high levels of open defecation in rural areas. Many households have very limited access to soap and hand sanitiser making good hygiene practices more challenging.
Communities already suffering from poverty and food insecurity are more exposed to public health crises such as cholera or COVID-19 and are hit hard by restrictions on travel and movement. Food insecurity is also exacerbated by high inflation and an unstable currency. This has pushed the price of staple foods such as maize, rice, wheat and other commodities even further out of the reach of struggling families.
ZOA’s COVID-19 RESPONSE
- We provided emergency food packages for vulnerable children and their families
- We reduced the spread of COVID-19 through child-friendly hand-washing stations at schools and in communities and providing face masks.
- We improved sanitation by delivering key health messages to stop the spread of COVID-19 and providing soap to families.
- We reduced COVID-related stress and anxiety by providing psychosocial counselling to affected children.
- We worked with our partners to deal with the longterm social affects of COVID-19 due to prolonged school closures, such as pregnancy and early marriage.
Supporting Mental Health During Public Health Emergencies
Clara, 22 years old
“The behaviour of us students has been so bad during the pandemic. Most of my fellow students have been engaging in illicit activities such as sex, drinking and smoking. This is because we weren’t kept busy with school activities and this has affected us negatively. There is an increase in drug abuse, violence and child labour.
I’ve been having counselling with our project officer about peer pressure, avoiding illicit activities and how to follow COVID-19 prevention measures. I feel more protected when having these counselling sessions.”

Providing emergency food parcels as part of our COVID-19 response
Diana, 13 Years Old
“I’m not happy because school closed early due to COVID-19. At school we used to eat every day, now I’ll not be able to eat three meals a day as my mother isn’t working.The prices of food and other commodities have gone up so my mother isn’t able to buy food. Even soap is a problem.
I’m HIV positive and am on drugs so I need more food to eat so the drugs don’t have side effects. I’m happy I received food and soap during this pandemic. Thank you very much for the support I really appreciate it.”
