Although preventable and treatable, cholera remains a significant global public health threat, closely linked to inequality and inadequate social and economic development, and driven by conflict and poverty. The global cholera statistics for 2024 show that Reported cholera cases rose by 5% and deaths by 50% in 2024 compared to 2023, with more than 6000 people dying. Between 1 January and 17 August 2025, a total of 409 222 cholera/Acute Watery Diarrhoea (AWD) cases and 4738 deaths were reported globally, from 31 countries, with six of the 31 countries reporting case fatality rates above 1%, indicating serious gaps in case management and delayed access to care.
Cholera is resurging in a number of countries, including some that had not reported substantial case numbers in years, like Chad and the Republic of Congo, while other countries, such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, and Sudan, are experiencing outbreaks that are continuing from 2024, with significant geographic expansion. Access to safe water, basic sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) is essential to prevent and control cholera in the long term. The role of communities is essential to achieve this.
In Zambia, cholera has been a persistent public health challenge. The most severe cholera outbreak in Zambia’s history began in October 2023, and continued to 2024. An integrated community strategy for cholera control (ICSCC) in three districts of the CopperBelt Province during this time led to a rapid reduction in cholera cases and mortality. This approach could serve as a model for future oubreaks in other places.
Objectives of the webinar:
- To share Zambia’s integrated community strategy for cholera control (ICSCC) and its components
- To describe factors that contributed to its success, and lessons learnt
- To discuss how this can be adapted for future cholera outbreaks
Speakers:
Introduction of EPI-WIN, housekeeping : Dr Supriya Bezbaruah, EPI-WIN Science and Knowledge Translation, WHO
Lead Moderator: Dr Kai Von Harbou, Unit Head, Community Protection and Resilience (CPR), WHO
Welcome remarks: Dr Clement Peter Lugala Lasuba, WHO Country Representative to Zambia and
Professor Roma Chilengi, Director General, National Public Health Institute, Zambia
Zambia’s Integrated Community Strategy for Cholera Control: Mr Wilson Kapenda, Ministry of Health, Zambia
Frontline perspectives: Dr Lalisa Nambeya, Lusaka District Office, Zambia
Lessons learnt and way forward to community pandemic preparedness: Dr Nyuma Mbewe,
WHO Country Office, Zambia