Zambia Declares Cholera Outbreak Officially Over After Months of National Response
The Government of the Republic of Zambia has officially declared the end of the cholera outbreak that affected parts of the country from late 2024 into 2025.
The announcement was made by Minister of Health Dr. Elijah Julaki Muchima, following more than five consecutive weeks without a new confirmed cases, meeting the global criteria set by the Global Task Force on Cholera Control (GTFCC).
The outbreak, which posed a significant public health challenge, resulted in 496 confirmed cases and nine fatalities. The last recorded case was reported on May 13, 2025, in Kabwe District, Central Province.
Dr. Muchima hailed the containment as a “victory for the Zambian people”, crediting frontline healthcare workers, community leaders, volunteers, and local and international partners for their unwavering support in tackling the outbreak.
He specifically commended the promotion of the “Three Cs” — Clean Water, Clean Hands, and Early Care — which were central to the public health campaign.
“This achievement reflects what we can accomplish through unity, discipline, and collective action,” the Minister stated. He also paid tribute to those who lost their lives and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to achieving a cholera-free Zambia by 2030.
Despite the success, the Ministry of Health emphasized that vigilance remains critical, especially amid ongoing drought conditions that threaten water security and sanitation. Key steps being taken to prevent future outbreaks include:
- Prepositioning treatment supplies in high-risk areas
- Strengthening community surveillance systems
- Enhancing access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene
- Conducting simulation exercises for rapid response
The Ministry urged citizens to continue adhering to prevention measures: drinking treated or boiled water, washing hands with soap, practicing proper sanitation, and seeking immediate care for symptoms of watery diarrhoea.
