Government Declares End of Cholera Outbreak

The Ministry of Health has officially declared the end of the cholera outbreak that has affected Zambia since August 2025.

Ministry Permanent Secretary for Technical Services Kennedy Lishimpi said the declaration was made in line with recommendations from the Global Task Force on Cholera Control for formally closing outbreaks, describing the development as a significant public health milestone.

Dr Lishimpi attributed the achievement to the combined efforts of healthcare workers, government institutions, cooperating partners and members of the public who supported interventions aimed at containing and preventing the further spread of the disease.

He also commended President Hakainde Hichilema for providing leadership during the country’s cholera response and for promoting cholera prevention initiatives in Zambia and across Africa.

Meanwhile, Dr Lishimpi has revealed that the emergency measles vaccination campaign has surpassed its target in affected districts, with more children receiving the vaccine than initially anticipated.

He said the outcome demonstrates the strong response from communities and highlights continued efforts to protect children from measles.

Acting Ministry of Health Director of Public Health Angel Mwiche said the campaign initially targeted approximately 72,467 children aged between six and nine months but has so far vaccinated more than 88,000 children, achieving 122 percent coverage.

Dr Mwiche said the milestone means the campaign has reached all eligible children in the affected districts, including those who were not part of the original target group.