Government has released K13 million to support the emergency supply of safe water as Zambia intensifies efforts to contain the cholera outbreak and prevent further transmission of the disease.
Speaking in a ministerial statement to the National Assembly, Minister of Health Professor Roma Chilengi said access to safe water remains critical in the fight against cholera.
“Recognising that access to safe water is central to interrupting cholera transmission, the Ministry of Finance and National Planning has released K13 million to the Ministry responsible for Water Development and Sanitation to support the emergency supply of safe water,” Professor Chilengi said.
He said the funding demonstrates Government’s commitment to addressing conditions that contribute to the spread of cholera, adding that responsible institutions must ensure the resources benefit affected and high-risk communities.
“This is a concrete demonstration of Government’s commitment to addressing the conditions that enable cholera to spread,” he said.
Professor Chilengi said Government has also convened the National Epidemic Preparedness, Prevention, Control and Management Committee to strengthen coordination among health, water and sanitation, local government, disaster management and other relevant sectors.
He said public health teams are strengthening surveillance, case detection and investigation, laboratory confirmation, treatment and community-level prevention.
The Minister further said 709,018 people aged one year and above have received the oral cholera vaccine, representing 91 percent of the targeted population, following the approval of 782,147 doses.
He urged communities to drink safe water, practise proper sanitation, wash their hands with soap and maintain food hygiene. People who develop sudden watery diarrhoea are advised to take oral rehydration solution immediately and seek medical attention