However, in late 2023 and early 2024 Zambia experienced one of its most severe cholera outbreaks, with 21,007 cases and 702 deaths reported by UNICEF Zambia and WHO by the end of March 2024. In response, the Ministry of Health delayed the start of the school year by at least six weeks to implement containment measures. This crisis significantly disrupted Healthy Learners’ ability to deliver healthcare services to over 800,000 learners who rely on their support. It also delayed scale-up efforts and threatened the large-scale external evaluation. Given the government’s reliance on Healthy Learners during public health crises, a lack of support at this critical moment could have weakened key stakeholder relationships within partner communities and government agencies.

A $49,941 grant from Risk Pool Alliance enabled Healthy Learners to respond rapidly by providing workshops and essential supplies to purify water and create a clean, safe environment for learners. The grant’s flexible nature allowed Healthy Learners to remain responsive to the evolving situation and collaborate with NGOs and government agencies, ensuring efforts were not duplicated. As other organisations stepped in to provide essential supplies, Healthy

Learners shifted its focus to training school administrators to implement health and safety measures developed in collaboration with the Ministries of Health and Education. These measures ensured a sanitary environment, helping to prevent further infections during the outbreak.

With support from Risk Pool Alliance, Healthy Learners played a crucial role in helping the Zambian government safely re-open schools while strengthening long-term health and hygiene practices. This not only helped keep the organisation’s scale-up on track but also enhanced its operating model. School administrators are now better equipped to manage health-related challenges, and stronger mechanisms are in place to maintain hygiene in toilets and shared spaces.

Risk Pool Alliance’s timely and flexible support enabled Healthy Learners to overcome the cholera outbreak’s disruptions, keeping its expansion plans on track. By adapting swiftly, the organisation protected a $2.35 million investment, safeguarded its long-term impact, and reinforced critical government and community partnerships. The intervention enhanced the programme’s sustainability, ensuring lasting benefits for Zambia’s education and healthcare systems.