Synopsis
Zambia is set to launch an oral cholera vaccination campaign in Chililabombwe Town, Copperbelt Province, amidst a cholera outbreak. The government is working with WHO and Gavi to provide 129,000 doses, starting February 7, while also enhancing public awareness and community support.Key Takeaways
- Cholera vaccination campaign begins February 7.
- 129,000 vaccine doses allocated for Chililabombwe.
- Collaboration with WHO and Gavi established.
- Community volunteer program to expand to 150.
- Government plans to drill 10 boreholes for clean water.
Lusaka, Feb 4 (NationPress) Health officials in Zambia are set to initiate an oral cholera vaccination drive in Chililabombwe Town, located in Copperbelt Province, which is currently facing a severe cholera outbreak, according to a senior government representative.
The government has started dialogues with the World Health Organization, Gavi, and other collaborators to tackle the cholera crisis in the province, as stated by Minister of Health Elijah Muchima during a press briefing regarding the cholera situation.
Approximately 129,000 doses of vaccines have been allocated for the district, with the vaccination campaign anticipated to kick off on February 7, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
“Vaccination is a fundamental aspect of our cholera response strategy,” he emphasized, adding that training for facility readiness and public awareness about the disease has already begun.
A multisectoral stakeholder initiative has been launched to mitigate the outbreak and halt its spread, with the United Nations Children's Fund expected to boost the number of community volunteers from 50 to 150.
Muchima, who has been surveying cholera-stricken areas in the province since Sunday, remarked that most patients are not locals of Chililabombwe but rather traders from other towns residing in makeshift shelters lacking adequate water and sanitation.
Water testing has revealed contamination with human waste. In response, the government intends to drill 10 boreholes in affected regions to supply residents with clean drinking water.
He reported that Chililabombwe recorded one cholera case within the last 24 hours, while Ndola and Chingola towns in Copperbelt Province each reported two cases, raising the total number of cholera cases in the province to 15. All patients are in stable condition, with more expected to be discharged shortly.
Furthermore, two additional cases have been documented in the northern district of Nakonde, bringing the nationwide total of cholera admissions to 17.
