Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Dr. Chitalu Chilufya – Health Minister
The ministry of health has continued to record a significant reduction in new cholera cases with 32 new cases with no deaths being recorded in the last 24 hours compared to 34 new cases previously recorded.
Total cumulative cholera cases currently stand at 3,424 of which only 41 are under treatment.
Health Minister Dr Chitalu Chilufya has told a media briefing that the numbers have drastically reduced in the recent days, as in other districts only 1 case has been recorded in Chongwe district in the last 24 hours.
He says the figures being recorded now this year, compared to those recorded in the 90s shows the efficacy of the epidemic.
Dr Chilufya has further stated that there has been overwhelming response from residents in epicenters towards the vaccination exercise and he has since reminded the residents to take up the second dosage which is expected to commence in the next two weeks.
Meanwhile the Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA) has pounced on Bimbe enterprises for putting on the market chlorine that is not in conformity with required standards.
Announcing the development Dr Chilufya disclosed that ZAMRA has been going round inspecting all places that trade in chlorine to ensure that the chlorine being sold is of the required standard.
He has revealed that Bimbe enterprises, has since recalled 1,880 250mls bottles of chlorine and 910 cases of 750mls bottles of chlorine have since been recalled.
The Health Minister states that the ministry will not allow citizens to be vulnerable to substandard chlorine with the outbreak of cholera.
Meanwhile the ministry has continued to receive donations from corporate entities aimed at completely eradicating the cholera outbreak.
The ministry today received donations of tipper trucks which have been given to the army to be used in cleaning exercises from the rotary club, Jik ,gloves and other assorted items worth K20,000 and a truck from ZOONA and various items which include dettol soap and chlorine worth K5, 000 from Lawrence and Paul insurance.
And the ZACCI president Michael Nyirenda has pledged the support of the association towards the fight against cholera through encouraging the business sector to donate and be complaint to requirements by the government.