UNICEF strengthens ZNPHI’s 16 districts high-risk cholera response

By Hellen Bwalya and Derrick Sinjela

In a Friday, 5th December 2025 Press Statement circulated by Public Health Policy Diplomacy and Communications (PHPDC), Director, Dr. Doreen Shempela, Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI), in partnership with the Ministry of Health (MoH), received essential Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) supplies from UNICEF to strengthen the country’s Cholera response, which will benefit an estimated 230,000 people across 16 high-risk districts.
This support is made possible with funding from the European Union’s Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO) and UNICEF core resources.
As the country continues to confront cholera outbreaks, these supplies will enhance infection prevention and control, promote safe water use, and support hygiene improvement at household and community levels.

The donated items include liquid chlorine, jerry cans, handwashing soap and sanitisers, chlorine test kits, waste management materials, and risk communication tools.
ZNPHI will coordinate the distribution of the supplies to 16 Priority Areas of
Multisectoral Interventions (PAMIs), including Kabwe, Chililabombwe, Ndola, Kitwe,
Masaiti, Mufulira, Chipata, Lusaka, Solwezi, Choma, Itezhi-Tezhi, Mongu, Nakonde, Mpika, Nsama, and Mpulungu.
“This partnership-driven approach remains central to our mission. By working closely with government structures, partners, and communities, we can sustain Zambia’s progress in cholera prevention and move towards a healthier, safer future for all. We deeply value this partnership with UNICEF and the European Union, which demonstrates the power of collective action in protecting public health,” explained a delightful ZNPHI Director General Professor Roma Chilengi.
On her part, UNICEF Representative, Dr. Saja Farooq Abdullah, reaffirmed organisation’s commitment to supporting Zambia’s public health response, noting that clean water and hygiene are vital first lines of defence against cholera.
“We work with ZNPHI to ensure risk communication and community engagement are effective and tailored, while our Child Protection teams provide psychosocial support and case management for the most affected children and families, ensuring no child is left behind,” Dr. Abdullah pledged.

Reaffirming the EU’s support to Zambia, Marta Palmarola, Health Programme
Manager at the European Union Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Organisation (ECHO), said the Union remains fully aware of the strain cholera outbreaks have placed on communities and the health system, particularly in the Copperbelt and Southern Provinces. “This delivery is therefore focused on getting resources directly to the front lines. Our goal is clear: to reinforce preventive measures, protect frontline health workers, and ensure that affected communities have the basic means to maintain hygiene and access safe water,” Ms. Palmarola noted.
It is important to note that Cholera transmission has stabilised nationwide, with Northern, Copperbelt, Central and Muchinga provinces reporting no deaths or new cases in the past 48 hours.
As of Thursday, 4th December 2025, the cumulative number of cholera cases stood at 600, with the following distribution by district: Mpulungu 316, Nsama 161, Monze 43, Masaiti 28, Mbala 17, Mpika 8, Kitwe 7, Senga Hill 5, Lusaka 3, Solwezi 3, Kasempa 2, Kabwe 2, Ndola 2, Kaputa 1, Gwembe 1 and Chongwe 1.

The Government has approved 151,252 doses of the Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV) for Monze District. The vaccines are not yet in-country and will require approximately 10 working days for shipment. ZNPHI continues to work in a multi-sectoral approach with our partners to sustain vigilance, preparedness, and rapid response across all regions.
The public is reminded to report suspected cholera cases promptly through community health volunteers or the nearest health facility. – ZNPHI

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