Zambia: The Chinese embassy has donated US $500,000 to Zambia to support their efforts in fighting cholera. The donation was received by the Ministry of Finance and National Planning.
The country has experienced a severe epidemic of waterborne disease in several parts of the country. The epicentre of the cholera outbreak emerged in Lusaka, where the country recorded the highest number of cases.
The People’s Republic of China has extended support to the cause through its embassy. The Chinese Embassy Charge’ d’ Affair Wanga Sheng talked about the significance of the donation for the people of Zambia.
Through this donation, the administration can improve its sanitation and water supply. This will help the authorities avoid another outbreak in the country.
Further, The Chinese Embassy Charge’ d’ Affair assured the government that China is firmly supporting Zambia in dealing with the outbreak. In January 2024, the president of Zambia convened a press conference with the Chinese Ambassador to Zambia.
President Haikainde Hichilema and Ambassador Du Xiaohui talked about the significant support that China has extended to Zambia. They announced nine assistance measures for this mandate, which include:
- cash
- constructing a clinic
- medical and daily supplies
- water supply projects among others
During the recent past months, the two nations have worked together to realize these assistance measures. The initiative is also helping to keep Cholera under control.
“Today I am here to hand over the promised humanitarian assistance in cash, we are delighted to see that the cholera outbreak in Zambia has been alleviated, but its eradication remains a long term task.” He said.
He announced that a Chinese vaccine manufacturer is working hard to explore the possibility of vaccine production in Zambia. Vaccines have emerged as a long-term measure to prevent the recurrence of the cholera disease outbreak.
Minister of Finance Situmbeko Musokotwane revealed that Zambia has been dealing with the cholera epidemic since October 2023. The first two cases which started the epidemic were reported in Lusaka ever since the number of cases has increased constantly for almost four months.
Presently, the Ministry of Health has successfully prevented the spread of the disease through collaboration and support.