Govt moves to tackle cholera, begins distribution of oral vaccines in early December from 54 hotspots

The government says it will begin distributing oral cholera vaccines in early December to 54 identified hotspots across the country.

Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi, announced that two million doses of cholera vaccines were currently available, with an additional three million expected to arrive soon.

Lishimpi made the remarks during a courtesy call on Zambia’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Rose Sakala, in Addis Ababa.

His visit coincided with the 2nd Regional Advisory Committee meeting of the Health Preparedness, Response, and Resilience Project for Eastern and Southern Africa.

“Surveillance systems have been enhanced to ensure rapid containment of any potential cholera outbreaks in affected areas,” Lishimpi said.

He also urged Zambia’s diplomatic missions to advocate for investments in local pharmaceutical manufacturing, aligning with President Hakainde Hichilema’s vision to establish Zambia as a regional hub for drug production.

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Zambia’s National Public Health Director, Professor Nathan Kapata, stated that oral rehydration points have been established in high-risk areas to ensure quick access to treatment during outbreaks.

“The Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) is working with community-based volunteers to promote hygiene education and maintain clean environments,” Kapata said.

He added that enhanced surveillance and testing for diarrheal diseases were ongoing in the 54 cholera hotspots, aiming to mitigate potential outbreaks effectively.

Zambia’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Rose Sakala, praised the Ministry for its proactive public health measures, noting that such initiatives were critical to safeguarding the nation’s health during the cholera season.

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