LUSAKA, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Zambian government on Friday moved in to quell fears that the oral cholera vaccine being administered was not safe.
Last week, the government launched the oral cholera vaccination in the capital Lusaka, hard-hit by a cholera outbreak, as part of intervention measures.
About 2 million doses of the oral cholera vaccine from the Gavi-funded global stockpile have been delivered, but some residents refused to take the vaccine over concerns of its efficacy and safety.
Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Kennedy Malama said the vaccine was safe as it was subjected to vigorous tests and has been used in other regions of the world.
He said in a statement that the efficacy and safety of the vaccine was made clear when senior government officials took it openly during the launch.
"People should dismiss such allegations because they are unfounded," he said.
Zambia has recorded more than 3,200 cholera cases with 74 deaths since the outbreak last October, but its ministry said a drop in new cases has signaled the victory over the waterborne disease.
