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The Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) has announced that at least 33,019 people have so far been vaccinated against cholera in Chainda Township, Lusaka District, out of a targeted 35,000 individuals.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Wednesday, Dr. Doreen Shempela, ZNPHI Director of Public Health Policy, Diplomacy and Communications, said the vaccination drive was part of ongoing efforts to control the spread of the disease.
Shempela explained that the campaign was being conducted in three rounds, administered on Day 0, Day 8, and Day 28.
She claimed that coverage for the oral cholera vaccines, which commenced on 20 January 2026, stood at 92 percent in the first round, while the second round had reached 77 percent.
“The ongoing vaccination exercise remains a critical public health intervention aimed at protecting vulnerable populations and interrupting cholera transmission in Lusaka District,” she said.
Shempela added that a joint team from ZNPHI and the Zambia Red Cross Society continued to support cholera response and vaccination efforts in Chainda through household-level and community engagement.
She reported that as of February 3, 2026, 12 new cholera cases were recorded countrywide, bringing the cumulative total to 797, while 14 deaths have been registered since the outbreak began on 5 August 2026.
“This translates into a case fatality rate of 1.8%. The newly reported cases were recorded in Lusaka (10) and Mpulungu (2),” Shempela highlighted.
She noted that transmission remained concentrated in a limited number of hotspots, particularly Lusaka, which continues to record new infections.
Shempela also noted that Mpulungu had recorded a localised resurgence, while Nakonde had reported sporadic cases, underscoring the need for continued vigilance.
“ZNPHI is pleased to announce that Mbala District has recorded 28 consecutive days without any new cholera cases and has therefore met the criteria for outbreak closure,” she said.
She stated that the achievement reflected coordinated response efforts and strong community cooperation.
“Members of the public are strongly advised to practice regular handwashing with soap and clean water, drink only treated or boiled water, ensure proper sanitation and hygiene, and seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility if experiencing symptoms such as diarrhoea or vomiting,” Shempela said.
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