LUSAKA, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Zambia, which has been hit by cholera outbreaks on a yearly basis, on Thursday launched a strategic plan aimed at ending the waterborne disease by 2025.
The launch follows the adoption of a resolution at the 71st World Health Assembly last year to eliminate cholera globally by 2030.
Chitalu Chilufya, Minister of Health, said during the launch of the Zambia multi-sectoral cholera elimination plan which runs from 2019 to 2025 that the move was a milestone in the health sector as it will provide a roadmap to end the waterborne disease.
The government, he said, was committed to working with other partners in ending cholera by 2025, adding the government has set an ambitious plan to eliminate the disease earlier than that the global target.
"It is critical that a strategic plan is in place for the successful achievement of the cholera elimination goal," he said.
According to him, strong political will and leadership has been demonstrated by the government by embracing the elimination strategy, with the highest level of commitment coming from President Edgar Lungu.
Sylvia Chalikosa, Minister in the Office of the Vice-President's Office, which also tackles disasters, said the office will help in coordination and resource mobilization to ensure smooth implementation of the strategy.
She further said the target to eliminate cholera by 2025 was achievable and will help build a healthy nation.
Cholera outbreaks have been perennial problems in Zambia, with the latest occurring in 2017 and 2018 which left about 114 dead and 5,000 others sick.
