Government puts an end to Cholera outbreak

Ministry of Health has officially declared an end to the Cholera outbreak that started in August last year, after undergoing more than four weeks without any confirmed cases. Speaking during a press briefing in Lusaka, Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical…

Ministry of Health has officially declared an end to the Cholera outbreak that started in August last year, after undergoing more than four weeks without any confirmed cases.

Speaking during a press briefing in Lusaka, Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Kennedy Lishimpi, says that the country recorded 1,627 during the Cholera period, with 26 deaths across 25 districts.

Dr Lishimpi commended President Hakainde Hichilema, on the fight against Cholera that has championed sustained investments in water, sanitation and hygiene, while strengthening disease surveillance systems and advancing cholera elimination by 2030.

“Under his leadership, Zambia has spearheaded efforts to establish a local Cholera vaccine manufacturing, mobilised African heads of state and global partners to strengthen cross-border collaboration and encourage the establishment of the Presidential Cholera Task Forces across the continent,” said Dr Lishimpi.

Dr Lishimpi added that Cholera risk still remains and that the government will continue to invest in expanding access to safe water, improved sanitation and better hygiene services across the country.

He also called on all citizens to play their role in protecting the hard-won gains, through regular hand washing with soap and clean water, keeping surroundings clean, and seeking immediate medical attention when acute watery diarrhea or vomiting develops.

Dr Lishimpi said the Ministry of Health remains committed to strengthening disease surveillance, preparedness and rapid response systems across the country and continued implementation of the multi-sectoral cholera control plan.

He also gave an update on Measles, stating that the country continued to record increased cases of the disease and that MOH has enhanced vaccination of children who missed their Measles vaccine in five districts that have active cases under admission.

Dr Lishimpi also expressed concern over children not being taken back for the second vaccine despite all clinics across the country continuing to do routine Measles immunisations.

“For the first vaccine, the coverage is very high, it’s over 95%, the fallout that we are seeing is that 87% of the children are not being brought back for the second vaccine for some reason,” said Dr Lishimpi.

Dr Lishimpi called on Parents to ensure that children have been given both doses of the vaccine.