ZAMBIA has successfully overcome its 2025 cholera outbreak as the Ministry of Health officially declared the epidemic over, having recorded zero new cases in more than five weeks.
This public health success marks an important milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts to safeguard public health and combat infectious diseases.
According to Health Minister Elijah Muchima, this sustained period of zero transmission meets the global criteria of officially ending the outbreak as established by the Global Task Force on Cholera Control (GTFCC).
Muchima acknowledged the struggles of communities and healthcare providers during the 2024-2025 cholera outbreak, which resulted in 496 confirmed cases and 9 fatalities.
Muchima revealed that the last confirmed cholera case was identified in Kabwe, Central Province on May 13, 2025.
The minister also warned against complacency, noting that the ongoing drought conditions pose a persistent risk for future outbreaks.
He emphasised the continued need for measures to enhance water sanitation, promote hygiene and develop effective surveillance and response strategies.
“The ministry is unwavering in its commitment to protecting the health of every Zambian and we are accelerating our efforts by strategically prepositioning critical medical supplies in high-risk districts, and bolstering community-based surveillance to ensure the prompt identification and treatment of acute watery diarrhea,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Muchima also shared an update on the current Mpox outbreak in Zambia, stating that as of June 27, 2025, a total of 138 cases had been confirmed throughout the country.
“Mpox has been reported in 29 of the 31 districts in Zambia, with Copperbelt Province reporting the highest number of cases at 32, followed by Muchinga with 29, Lusaka with 28, Western with 19, North-Western with 18, Central with seven, Eastern with two, Southern with two, and Northern with one case,” Muchima disclosed.
He added that Luapula was the only province without any reported cases of Mpox.
By Sharon Zulu
Kalemba July 4, 2025
