Cholera outbreak is over- Minister

GOVERNMENT has declared the 2017/2018 cholera epidemic that claimed 98 lives out of the recorded 5,935 cases countrywide, over.

And Health Minister Chilufya Chitalu disclosed that government spent K162 million to fight the cholera outbreak.

Dr Chilufya said this yesterday in Lusaka at the ministry of Health headquarters where he together with Local Government Minister Vincent Mwale and Minister in the office of the Vice President, Sylvia Chalikosa held a joint press briefing to update the media on the cholera epidemic.

Dr Chilufya said the cholera outbreak that lasted appropriately 8 months affected 5,935 people and 114 deaths countrywide.

He said Lusaka as the epicentre recorded 5,444 cases and 98 deaths.

He emphasised that the outbreak could have been worse had the government not taken up bold decision to fight it.

The Minister said the cholera outbreak has been aptly contained because of the unprecedented political will and leadership exhibited by President Edgar Lungu who immediately appointed the committee of Ministers to oversee and provide guidance towards fighting the epidemic.

Dr Chilufya however, advised members of the public to continue practicing personal hygiene to prevent the reoccurrence of the epidemic.

Meanwhile, Dr Chilufya disclosed that government spent K162 million to fight the cholera outbreak.

And speaking at the same press briefing, Local government Minister Vincent Mwale said to prevent the occurrence of the epidemic, street vending is still illegal.