Zambia Records 12 New Cholera Cases in 24 Hours

**Lusaka, Zambia** – Zambia continues to grapple with the persistent threat of cholera, recording a further 12 new cases within the past 24 hours, bringing the nation’s cumulative total since August of last year to a concerning 1,415 infections. While thankfully no new fatalities were reported in this latest update, the disease has tragically claimed 22 lives across 25 districts nationwide, underscoring the urgent need for sustained public health interventions. The majority of these new infections, 11 to be precise, were identified in the capital city, Lusaka, a perennial hotspot for cholera outbreaks due to its dense population and sometimes strained sanitation infrastructure. A single case was also reported in Mpulungu District, situated in the Northern Province, highlighting the disease's sporadic but wide geographical reach across the country. In light of this ongoing public health challenge, the government, through the Ministry of Health, has reiterated its commitment to containing the spread. Dr. Alex Katakwe, the Minister of Health, confirmed that surveillance and preparedness measures have been significantly intensified, particularly within Lusaka and across other vulnerable regions. This proactive stance is crucial, especially as the country navigates the tail end of the rainy season, a period historically associated with increased cholera transmission due to water contamination. Furthermore, specific attention has been directed towards institutions with high population densities, such as the University of Zambia (UNZA). The Ministry has implemented enhanced preventive actions within the institution, a critical step to avert potential outbreaks that could rapidly escalate given the close living quarters and shared facilities characteristic of university campuses. The fight against cholera is a multi-faceted endeavour, requiring vigilance at both national and provincial levels. This commitment was echoed by Dr. Luckson Chidikita, the North-Western Province