Northern Province Deputy Permanent Secretary, Beauty Undi-Phiri, has called for a strengthened multi-sectoral approach in responding to public health emergencies affecting the province.
Ms. Undi-Phiri noted that since 2024, Northern Province has faced several health emergencies, including cholera, Mpox and measles outbreaks.
Speaking when she officially opened the Provincial Epidemic Preparedness and Response meeting in Kasama, Ms. Undi-Phiri said the most significant challenge in 2025 has been the ongoing cholera outbreak.
“As of November 4, 2025, the province had recorded a cumulative total of 482 cholera cases affecting five districts namely Mpulungu, Mbala, Nsama, Senga Hill and Kaputa,” she said.
She explained that the first case was detected in Mpulungu on August 5, 2025, which has since recorded 305 cases while Nsama has reported 147 cases, with Senga Hill and Kaputa having recorded five and one case respectively.
Ms. Undi-Phiri added that between 2024 and 2025, the province also recorded 582 confirmed cases of measles, with Mungwi accounting for 493 and Kasama for 89.
The media reports that in the same period, 27 Mpox cases were recorded across Nsama, Mbala, Kasama and Lupososhi districts.
Meanwhile, Northern Province Health Director, Ernest Mutale, emphasized the need for collective responsibility in tackling communicable diseases.
Professor Mutale cited poor sanitation and hygiene as major contributors to cholera outbreaks.
He disclosed that the province has recorded four cholera-related deaths but has largely contained the disease, with only one active case remaining in treatment centers as of November 7, 2025.
“It is incumbent upon everyone, this issue is not only for the Ministry of Health but for all stakeholders to play their part,” he said.
He credited the progress to support from government and cooperating partners, including UNICEF, the Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI), the Red Cross, and the Global Fund.
The meeting attracted District Commissioners, Council Secretaries, Directors of Health Services and Heads of Departments from across the province.
