President Hichilema Advocates for Cholera Vaccine Production Hub in Zambia
Zambia's strategic location and commitment to health equity make it an ideal candidate to host such a facility, serving as a catalyst for improved health outcomes across Africa.
Lusaka, Zambia - Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has made a compelling appeal to the Africa Centre for Disease Control (CDC) to establish the continent's indigenous cholera vaccine production hub in Zambia, writes Collins Mtika.
During the official opening of the third international conference on public health in Africa (CPHIA23) held in Lusaka, President Hichilema passionately expressed his vision of a world where no one succumbs to preventable diseases like cholera, malaria, or any other illness.
"We must ensure that no one dies from a preventable disease," President Hichilema asserted.
"Cholera has plagued Zambia since 1977, with Lusaka as one of the primary outbreak hotspots. However, research indicates that beyond Lusaka and other known hotspots, all high-risk districts in Zambia share borders or thoroughfares with neighboring countries."
In recognition of his unwavering commitment to combating cholera, President Hichilema was appointed Global Cholera Control Champion by the Global Task Force on Cholera Control (GTFCC) in May 2022 at the World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland.
The CPHIA23, themed "Breaking Barriers: Repositioning Africa in the Global Health Architecture," brings together renowned scientists, inventors, researchers, and heads of state from Africa to showcase innovative research, cutting-edge technologies, and African-led solutions to public health challenges.
Africa CDC Director-General Dr. Jean Kaseya acknowledged the continent's ongoing health challenges, including high rates of infectious diseases, limited access to infrastructure and quality healthcare services, and emerging health threats posed by climate change.
"In the face of these challenges, urgent action is needed to safeguard the hard-won gains in public health from being jeopardized by these evolving health threats," Dr. Kaseya remarked.
President Hichilema's call for a cholera vaccine production hub in Zambia aligns with the nation's commitment to becoming a regional center of excellence for public health interventions.
Zambia's strategic location and commitment to health equity make it an ideal candidate to host such a facility, serving as a catalyst for improved health outcomes across Africa.