Zambia Health Ministry Officially Declared Cholera Outbreak Contained

The Zambian Ministry of Health has officially declared the country’s cholera outbreak contained, following sustained public health interventions and the absence of new reported cases in the last 24 hours.

The announcement was made by Health Minister Elijah Muchima, who confirmed that no active cholera transmission is currently being recorded nationwide.

The declaration follows weeks of intensified surveillance, treatment, vaccination campaigns, and water-sanitation control measures across affected districts.

According to official data, the outbreak, which began earlier in the year, resulted in a cumulative total of 612 confirmed cases and nine deaths. Health authorities say the steady decline in new infections reflects the effectiveness of coordinated response efforts led by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with public health partners.

As part of containment measures, Zambia rolled out oral cholera vaccination campaigns, strengthened disease surveillance systems, improved access to treatment centres, and intensified public health education on hygiene and safe water use.

Despite declaring the outbreak contained, the Ministry of Health has urged continued vigilance, warning that cholera remains a recurring risk, particularly during the rainy season and in areas with limited access to clean water and sanitation.

Officials emphasized that preventive measures will remain in place, including routine surveillance, rapid response readiness, and ongoing public awareness campaigns to prevent a resurgence.

The government has also reaffirmed its commitment to long-term investments in water, sanitation, and public health infrastructure to reduce the risk of future outbreaks.