Hichilema launches Africa-wide cholera response plan, calls for presidential task forces

President Hakainde Hichilema has launched the Continental Cholera Response Plan in his capacity as Global and AU Champion for Cholera, urging fellow Heads of State to establish presidential task forces to drive accountability and coordination in combating outbreaks.

He made the call on the sidelines of the 75th Session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for Africa (RC75) in Lusaka on Tuesday.

The Head of State also emphasized equitable access to medicines, vaccines, and new medical technologies, describing it as vital to ensuring every African can access essential healthcare.

“Vaccines have reduced Zambia’s mortality rate by over 70 percent in the past 25 years, yet COVID-19 exposed Africa’s supply chain weaknesses,” President Hichilema said.

With the continent currently producing only one percent of its vaccine needs, he stressed that external support should focus on skills transfer and building local manufacturing capacity.

Hichilema welcomed the support of partners such as Gavi, WHO, and UNITAID through the US$1.2 billion African Manufacturing Accelerator Fund.

The WHO Regional Committee officially opened at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre, Kenneth Kaunda Wing, on Monday, August 25, 2025.

“We were honoured to join hundreds of delegates from Africa and beyond in these important deliberations,” he said.

Led by Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, the discussions focused on strengthening health systems, sharing best practices, and addressing common public health challenges.

In light of lessons from COVID-19, Hichilema underscored the importance of strengthening health diplomacy, harmonizing public health regulations, and building resilient institutions to respond to future outbreaks.

“We salute the WHO for its 61 years of presence in Zambia and its immense contribution to health system strengthening,” he said.

The President added that the RC75 was a reminder that solidarity remained the best medicine.

“Together, we can turn lessons into action and shape a healthier future for Africa and the world,” he said.

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