By Rogan Labika,
Zambia is significantly strengthening its national preparedness for emerging global health risks following a recent World Health Organization (WHO) alert regarding the Nipah virus in India.
Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka, Minister of Health Elijah Muchima assured the nation that laboratory capacity is being bolstered and readiness assessments are ongoing to ensure the country can respond swiftly to any potential importation of the virus.
However Mr.Muchima issued an urgent plea for citizens to remain alert as the country navigates a complex health landscape.
Meanwhile, the Minister announced that Zambia recorded 20 new cholera cases in the last 24 hours with Lusaka remaining the primary driver with 11 new cases. Choma has been officially confirmed as a new outbreak area. Other cases were reported in Nakonde and Mpulungu.
Mr. Muchima further revealed that while no new deaths were reported in the last 24 hours, the Ministry of Health maintains that national disease surveillance systems remain fully active to contain the spread.
