UNICEF has expressed concern over a cholera outbreak in Africa affecting 10 countries, with Zambia and Zimbabwe being seriously impacted.

Over 200,000 cases have been reported and more than 3,000 lives lost to the disease, according to UNICEF's regional health adviser, Dr. Paul Ngwakum.

The outbreak is linked to poor water sanitation, hygiene conditions, weather changes, floods, and droughts.

Other factors contributing include inadequate community awareness and delayed care-seeking behavior.

UNICEF warns that if not contained, the outbreak may lead to school closures, as is already happening in Zambia.