Govt Launches Oral Cholera Vaccine in Hotspot Areas  

The Zambian government has initiated the oral administration of cholera vaccines in identified hotspot areas to combat the outbreak. 

The Minister of Health, Hon. Silvia Masebo, announced the launch, revealing that the ministry had received 1.5 million doses of the cholera vaccine, with an additional 3,000 doses expected to be dispatched soon.

Hon. Masebo expressed gratitude to the United Nations system in Zambia for its significant role in addressing the cholera crisis. 

However, she emphasized that the vaccine alone is not sufficient, highlighting the importance of residents in hotspot areas taking additional precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the disease.

In alignment with the comprehensive approach to cholera prevention, the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon. Garry Nkombo, directed local authorities to ensure the daily collection of garbage in all identified hotspot areas. 

Proper sanitation is a crucial component of preventing waterborne diseases like cholera.

Furthermore, Hon. Mike Mposha, the Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, outlined specific measures to address cholera, stating that his ministry would undertake the emptying of 20,000 pit latrines as part of the comprehensive cholera prevention strategy.

During the launch event, Lusaka Mayor Chilando Chitangala urged residents to take advantage of the vaccination opportunity, assuring them that the doses are safe and represent a crucial protective measure. 

Mayor Chitangala emphasized the importance of community-wide participation in defeating cholera and restoring public health and dignity.

In a vote of thanks, Lima Ward 30 Civic Leader, Councillor Daniel Mwewa, expressed gratitude to the government and UNICEF for their collaborative efforts in the fight against the cholera pandemic. 

The collective measures announced during the launch underscore the commitment of various stakeholders to address the root causes of cholera and protect the well-being of the population.

The Public Relations Officer of Lusaka City Council, Dorothy Phiri, issued the statement, reaffirming the commitment of local authorities to work in tandem with government initiatives and international organizations to combat the cholera threat effectively.