Headline NewsHealth

Scale up cholera surveillance – Chitalu Chilufya 

…as the former Minister of Health warns that the outbreak could escalate to a nationwide epidemic

By MUKWIMA CHILALA 

Former Minister of Health Chitalu Chilufya has urged Government to scale-up cholera surveillance in all parts of the country and has warned that an outbreak in two districts can escalate to epidemic proportions.

Zambia has cumulatively recorded 90 cases of cholera and two deaths in Vubwi district in Eastern Province and Mwansabombwe district in Luapula.

Speaking at a press briefing, Minister of Health Sylvia Masebo said that Chipata in Eastern Province had become the latest district to record cases of cholera.

The Minister said Chipata district had four confirmed cases recorded so far, while other four were unconfirmed.

But Dr Chilufya said the only way to manage the outbreak from escalating was by scaling up surveillance in all districts.

Dr Chilufya, who is also Patriotic Front (PF) presidential aspirant, said there was need to invest in surveillance equipment.

He said Zambia had a history of Cholera outbreaks since 1977 and it was important to learn from the past in combating cholera.

Author

Related Articles

Back to top button