In a decisive move to address the ongoing cholera crisis across Africa, Zambia participated in a virtual African Union (AU) Heads of State Cholera Conference, convened to unite nations affected by the outbreak. The urgent gathering highlighted the need for immediate, coordinated action and long-term strategies to eliminate cholera from the continent.
As the appointed Global and African Cholera Champion, Zambia took a leading role in organizing and steering the dialogue. President Hakainde Hichilema emphasized the severity of the situation, calling for renewed commitment and political will to contain the current outbreak and pave the way for the complete eradication of cholera.
“Cholera is preventable, treatable, and ultimately eliminable, but only if we act together, with firm political resolve and a shared sense of urgency,” said President Hichilema during his address to fellow African leaders and global health stakeholders.
At the heart of Zambia’s proposal was the establishment of a continental Incident Management System. This system would coordinate efforts at a regional level by integrating the expertise and resources of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and other key players.
Recognizing that cholera does not respect national borders, Zambia called for strengthened cross-border collaboration through joint surveillance initiatives, early warning systems, and harmonized reporting mechanisms among neighboring states. Such an approach is critical in detecting outbreaks early and implementing swift response measures.
President Hichilema also underscored the urgent need to bolster local manufacturing of vaccines and essential medical supplies. By accelerating production capabilities within Africa, countries can reduce dependency on often-delayed donor support and respond more rapidly to public health emergencies.
To sustain these efforts, Zambia stressed the importance of prioritizing domestic financing. Increasing investment in national health systems will ensure continuity, resilience, and better preparedness against future outbreaks.
Zambia’s leadership at the conference sent a clear message: Africa has the capacity and the will to eliminate cholera, but success hinges on collaborative action and sustainable solutions. The nation’s proactive stance sets a benchmark for other countries to follow, encouraging a unified continental front in the battle against cholera.
The AU conference marks a pivotal moment for African nations to align their efforts, pool resources, and commit to long-term health security strategies. With Zambia at the forefront, the continent is moving one step closer to a cholera-free future.