CHOMBA MUSIKA,
MARY LEMBA
Lusaka
PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema says construction of Africa’s first oral cholera vaccine manufacturing plant, to be established in Zambia, will commence next month as the country intensifies efforts to combat the disease.
Mr Hichilema said the facility, which will be located at the Lusaka South Multi Facility Economic Zone, is part of Zambia’s contribution to continental efforts to eliminate cholera.
Zambia and Chinese company International Medical Technology have signed a memorandum of understanding for the construction of the plant, which is expected to produce 20 million doses annually.
Speaking when he swore in Minister of Housing Christopher Kalila and his Transport and Logistics counterpart Charles Milupi yesterday, Mr Hichilema said the initiative demonstrates the country’s commitment to addressing cholera through preventive measures.
“We are proud as a nation. Media, next month we are launching the construction of the cholera vaccine production plant, here in the country; the first on the continent of Africa,” he said.
Mr Hichilema, who serves as the African Union Cholera Champion leading continental efforts to eliminate the disease by 2030, stressed the importance of maintaining hygiene alongside vaccination to prevent infections.
He said Government will continue investing in interventions aimed at reducing cholera and other public health challenges.
Meanwhile, Government has released K13 million to the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation for the emergency supply of safe water as the country’s cholera outbreak reached 1,622 cases and 30 deaths.
Minister of Health Roma Chilengi told Parliament yesterday that the funding is part of Government’s multi-sectoral response to an outbreak that has affected 20 districts across six provinces since July 28.
Prof Chilengi said the funds should translate into the prompt delivery of safe water to affected and high-risk communities, with proper accountability for the resources.
He said 1,488 patients have recovered and been discharged, while 104 remained admitted as of October 28.
A further 74 cases were recorded in 12 districts during the latest 24-hour reporting period, with no new deaths. https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home
