Oral Cholera Vaccination Campaign Extended to High-Risk Areas

By Samuel Machishi | Lusaka, Zambia

A photo image of a person taking oral vaccine 

The Zambian government has announced that the oral cholera vaccination campaign will be extended to cover more high-risk districts following the recent rise in new cases.

Health Minister Elijah Muchima said the expanded campaign will now include Mpulungu, Nsama, and Mbala districts, targeting an additional 200,000 people over the next two weeks.

This decision comes after cholera spread beyond the areas that were initially covered in the first phase of the campaign... Read more 

Government’s Progress So Far

Dr. Muchima told journalists at a press briefing in Lusaka that the ministry had already achieved 100% coverage of the first target population.

He said that while the vaccination campaign was a short-term measure, government was also working on long-term solutions, such as improving water supply and sanitation systems in affected areas. These measures are expected to be finalized before the end of 2025... Read more 

Cholera and Cross-Border Concerns

The Health Minister noted that Zambia is also cooperating with Tanzanian authorities since some cholera cases were linked to funeral travel and fish trading activities in Tanzania.

He emphasized that cholera control required regional collaboration, as diseases easily cross borders when people move for business or social events... Read more 

Current Situation in Zambia

Since the outbreak began in August 2025, Zambia has recorded:

• 174 confirmed cholera cases

• 2 deaths

• 156 patients discharged

• 16 still receiving treatment in Mpulungu, Nsama, and Mbala

Dr. Muchima added that surveillance measures will remain in place, and shallow wells in cholera-prone areas will be buried to prevent contamination. The Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation, together with other partners, is supporting this effort... Read more 

Strengthening Preparedness

Dr. Kakungu Simpungwe, Director of Public Health at the Ministry of Health, said the government was engaging stakeholders and partners to enhance preparedness for future outbreaks.

He stressed the importance of community awareness, hygiene practices, and clean water systems in preventing another outbreak... Read more 

Analysis

1. Importance of Vaccination

The extension of the cholera campaign shows government commitment to protecting more communities. Vaccination remains one of the fastest ways to stop the spread in emergencies.

2. Water and Sanitation as Long-Term Solutions

While vaccines help in the short term, cholera will continue to return unless clean water, proper toilets, and waste management systems are put in place. The government’s plan to strengthen these systems is crucial.

3. Regional Cooperation

Diseases do not stop at borders. The cooperation between Zambia and Tanzania is a strong example of how cross-border health challenges must be addressed jointly, especially in areas where people trade and travel daily.

Conclusion

The extended oral cholera vaccination campaign is a positive step in Zambia’s fight against the disease. With 200,000 more people set to be vaccinated, combined with improvements in water and sanitation, there is hope that the outbreak can be controlled and future risks reduced... Read more 

Also read this: VIDEO: Engineer Amon Mweemba Claims “Only Tongas Will Occupy Senior Positions at RTSA”

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