By Cecilia Chiluba/Zambia/Lusaka
Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) has disclosed that cholera has largely been contained countrywide, with zero cases recorded in the past two days.
ZNPHI Director for Public Health Policy, Diplomacy and Communication, Dr. Doreen Shempela, reported that as of 18th December 2025, the cumulative number of cases stood at 612, with a total of nine deaths recorded.
“Zambia has recorded a notable reduction in Cholera cases, marking an important public health achievement,” she said.
Dr. Shempela attributed the decline in cases to coordinated, evidence-based interventions, including pre-emptive and reactive Oral Cholera Vaccination (OCV) campaigns, strengthened national surveillance and early warning systems, improved case management, and enhanced preparedness of Cholera Treatment Centres (CTCs).
She explained that the current cholera situation, with reported cases by district, is as follows: Mpulungu 316, Nsama 161, Monze 43, Masaiti 28, Mbala 17, Lusaka 13, Mpika 8, Kitwe 7, Senga Hill 5, Solwezi 3, Kasempa 2, Kabwe 2, Ndola 2, Chongwe 2, Kaputa 1, and Gwembe 1.
As part of prevention efforts, Zambia has administered a total of 1,788,195 doses of Oral Cholera Vaccination in 2025 across priority districts, namely Lusaka, Kitwe, Chililabombwe, Mpulungu, Chienge, Kabwe, Mbala, and Nsama.
Dr. Shempela revealed that 151,252 doses of OCV have been approved under the International Coordinating Group (ICG) mechanism for a single-dose campaign targeting 151,252 people in Monze District.
“Furthermore, 108,000 doses of ORAVAC oral cholera vaccines, donated by the People’s Republic of China, have been approved to protect 36,000 people (three doses per person) for Lusaka,” she reported.
She said the response continues to focus on prevention, preparedness, and rapid response through scaled-up Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) interventions and routine water quality monitoring, strategic risk communication and community engagement to promote prevention and early care-seeking, and enhanced multisectoral coordination under the National Incident Management System (IMS).
“Further, routine and rapid water quality monitoring is being conducted at sentinel sites in all high-risk districts across priority areas.”
“While the reduction in cholera cases is encouraging, sustaining the gains will require adequate investment and strong community participation as Zambia advances toward the elimination of Cholera,” she noted.
Dr. Shempela reiterated the Institute’s call to all citizens to remain vigilant and adhere to preventive measures.
