Zambia has recorded 820 cumulative cholera cases and 14 deaths since August 2025, with outbreaks reported in Mpulungu, Nsama, Nakonde, Solwezi, Masaiti and Lusaka.
Minister of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Kennedy Lishimpi says persistent transmission in hotspots such as Lusaka and resurging cases in Mpulungu show the need for intensified interventions.
Dr Lishimpi said this in a speech read on his behalf by Ministry of Health Director of Public Health, Kakungu Simpungwe, during the WaterAid Public Health and WASH Evidence Forum in Lusaka.
Dr Lishimpi explained that the Ministry, working with the Zambia National Public Health Institute, local authorities and cooperating partners, has strengthened surveillance in hotspot areas, mobilised rapid response teams and enhanced community-based reporting systems.
He said strengthened multi-sectoral action is critical in Zambia’s fight against cholera and other public health threats.
Dr Lishimpi added that cholera treatment units have been established in Lusaka and Northern Province, while cholera kits have been pre-positioned in high-risk districts to improve case management and infection prevention.
He further stressed that cholera elimination cannot be achieved by the health sector alone, calling for stronger coordination with key ministries including Water Development and Sanitation, Local Government and Rural Development, Finance and National Planning and the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit.
On WASH emergency measures, Dr Lishimpi said the government has intensified household disinfection, increased the distribution of water treatment chemicals, and expanded water quality monitoring with support from the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation.
