Zambia has recorded 30 deaths from cholera, with the cumulative number of cases rising to 1,622 since the outbreak began in July, as Government intensifies efforts to contain the disease and strengthens national preparedness against the threat of Ebola.
Minister of Health Professor Roma Chilengi told Parliament that the cholera cases were recorded between July 28 and October 28, 2026, with 228 laboratory-confirmed infections.
He said 1,488 patients had recovered and been discharged, while 104 remained admitted to various health facilities across the country.
Prof. Chilengi disclosed that 74 new cases had been reported in 12 districts, although no additional deaths were recorded during the latest reporting period.
The outbreak has affected 20 districts across six provinces, with Lusaka accounting for the highest number of infections at 1,090 cases, followed by Central Province with 298, Luapula with 133, Northern with 88, Southern with 11 and Copperbelt with two.
Mumbwa and Chisamba districts are among the latest areas to report infections, recording one and two cases respectively.
The Minister said the geographical spread of cholera demonstrated the need for sustained vigilance, improved sanitation and strengthened public health interventions.
He revealed that 16 of the 30 deaths had occurred in communities before patients could reach health facilities, while 14 deaths were recorded in hospitals.
Prof. Chilengi expressed condolences to the affected families, emphasising that early recognition of symptoms, immediate rehydration and prompt access to medical attention remained essential in preventing further fatalities.
He said Government was intensifying community engagement, referral systems and clinical interventions to ensure that suspected cases received timely treatment.
Meanwhile, although Zambia has not recorded any cases of Ebola or other viral haemorrhagic fevers, Government has stepped up preparedness following outbreaks and health threats reported in neighbouring countries, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
The preparedness measures include strengthening surveillance, improving infection prevention and control, equipping health facilities and training frontline personnel to identify and manage suspected cases.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has supported Zambia with laboratory reagents, infection prevention materials and equipment for transporting specimens, while UNICEF has provided personal protective equipment and water, sanitation and hygiene supplies valued at more than K2 million.
More than 382 healthcare workers and public health professionals, alongside 62 Emergency Medical Team members, have undergone specialised training in viral haemorrhagic fever preparedness and case management.
The Zambia National Public Health Institute, working with WHO, has also strengthened emergency response capacity through specialised training involving health personnel from various institutions and provinces.
In addition, Zambia is piloting the Go.Data digital platform to improve case registration and contact tracing, while surveillance has been intensified at selected border points, including areas bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zimbabwe.
Simulation exercises conducted at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport and the University Teaching Hospital have also tested the country’s capacity to detect suspected cases, isolate patients and coordinate emergency medical responses.
Community sensitisation campaigns are being undertaken through district health offices and volunteers, with awareness activities targeting households, public transport facilities and other high-traffic locations.
The parallel challenges of containing cholera and preparing for Ebola underscore the importance of investing in disease surveillance, sanitation, public awareness and emergency response systems.
While Zambia has so far avoided an Ebola outbreak, the rising cholera figures demonstrate that public health threats require sustained attention, effective coordination and cooperation between Government, communities and international health partners.
