LUSAKA, Nov. 22 (Xinhua) -- Zambia will roll out the distribution of oral cholera vaccines in the first week of next month, targeting cholera hotspots as part of efforts to prevent outbreaks of the waterborne disease, a government official said Friday.

Kennedy Lishimpi, permanent secretary for technical services in the Ministry of Health, said 54 cholera hotspots have been identified across the country where the vaccines will be administered following the start of the rainy season.

Lishimpi noted that Zambia currently has two million doses of oral cholera vaccines, with an additional three million expected to arrive soon, adding that enhanced surveillance systems are in place to ensure swift containment of any outbreaks in the identified areas.

Nathan Kapata, director for emergency preparedness and response at the Zambia National Public Health Institute, said that oral rehydration points have been established in the hotspots to provide timely access to rehydration solutions in case of outbreaks.

Kapata also highlighted ongoing collaborations with community-based volunteers to promote hygiene education and maintain clean environments.

Zambia recorded more than 20,000 cholera cases and nearly 700 deaths during the 2023-2024 outbreak. Enditem

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