Health Minister Elijah Muchima says the country has so far not recorded any cholera case contrary to some media reports that Lusaka’s Kanyama First Level Hospital has on record one suspected cholera case.
Dr Muchima said all the patients who presented with diarrhoeal symptoms at the facility were screened for the suspected disease over the last few weeks and that the results turned out to be negative.
Dr Muchima told journalists in Lusaka that government has through his ministry put up measures aimed at heightening surveillance to combat any possible disease outbreaks.
He explained that government has since mobilized three million doses of cholera vaccines from China which will be delivered to high risk populations on arrival in the country.
Dr Muchima revealed that the ministry has set up a multi-disciplinary, multisectoral epidemic prevention, preparedness and control committee as part of providing active vigilance.
He further stated that his ministry working in collaboration with line ministries as well as other stakeholders remain on high alert to any possible public health emergency.
Meanwhile, World Health Organization (WHO) Representative Nathan Bakyaita says cholera vaccines provide additional intervention to the already existing measures.
Dr Bakyaita said the anticipated vaccines are already approved by WHO noting that the organisation is currently holding a meeting in Kabwe to determine priority areas which have been the most affected by pandemic in the recent past.
Byta FM
