Central Province Permanent Secretary Milner Munakampwe has paid tribute to Habitat for Humanity and Zambia NGO Wash Forum for their role in strengthening public health efforts following a recent cholera outbreak in Kabwe.
He revealed that the outbreak had led to 115 recorded cases but noted that all patients were successfully treated and discharged, with the majority of cases reported from David Ramusho Secondary School.
Dr. Munakampwe said that, in response, the Ministry of Health, alongside the local authority, implemented key interventions aimed at containing the disease.
He made these remarks in Kabwe District in a speech delivered on his behalf by Central Province Assistant Secretary Brave Mazuba during the handover of essential sanitation resources to Kabwe Municipal Council by Habitat for Humanity in partnership with Zambia NGO Wash Forum.
Dr. Munakampwe emphasised that these efforts align with Zambia’s Vision 2030, the 8th National Development Plan, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
He stated that the provision of granular chlorine and drinking water stations by Habitat for Humanity Zambia and the Zambia NGO Wash Forum represents a practical and sustainable approach to addressing waterborne diseases.
Meanwhile, Habitat for Humanity Zambia Interim National Director Ruth Mitimingi Nabutali stressed the importance of collaboration in responding to public health challenges.
Ms. Nabutali emphasised that cholera outbreaks highlight the urgent need to strengthen water, sanitation, and hygiene systems across communities, while also underscoring the critical role of civil society organisations in tackling health emergencies.
She stated that the items handed over were intended to support the council’s ongoing efforts to prevent future outbreaks and improve sanitation infrastructure.
Ms Nabutali reaffirmed Habitat for Humanity Zambia’s belief that access to clean water is not a privilege but a fundamental human right.
Speaking earlier, Zambia NGO WASH Forum Coordinator Bubala Muyovwe Mumba reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to safeguarding public health and eliminating cholera through sustained and coordinated action.
In a speech delivered on her behalf by Zambia NGO WASH Forum Finance and Administration Lead Zama Lungu Banda, Ms Mumba said the recent outbreak at David Ramusho School, which was traced to contamination near a critical sanitation water pipeline, is a stark reminder of the urgent need for robust interventions.
She commended the government’s Cholera Elimination Plan for prioritizing prevention, rapid response, and community engagement but stressed that bold and sustained investment in sanitation infrastructure is necessary, particularly in known cholera hotspots.
She underscored findings from cost-benefit modelling by the Ministry of Health, which indicate that for every ZMW25 invested in cholera control through enhanced water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) initiatives, the nation stands to save ZMW700.
And Kabwe Deputy Mayor Wesley Phiri said the donation, consisting of ten 20-kilogram bags of granular chlorine and twenty 40-litre drinking water stations, would significantly enhance Kabwe’s water treatment capabilities and ensure safe, potable water was accessible to all residents.
This is contained in a statement issued by Zambia NGO WASH Forum Communications Officer Bangwe Naviley Chisenga.
