UNICEF Boosts Zambia’s Cholera Response with Lifesaving WASH Supplies

LUSAKA, Zambia, 5 December 2025 – The Government of Zambia, through the Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI), today received essential Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) supplies that will contribute to reinforcing national efforts against cholera and protect communities from the ongoing outbreak, benefitting about 230,000 people in 16 cholera risk districts.

This support has been made possible by the generous contribution of the European Union’s Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO) and UNICEF core resources.

“The European Union is proud to participate in this handover of WASH—Water, Sanitation and Hygiene—and Infection Prevention and Control supplies, an investment made possible through ECHO’s support. The cholera-related supplies being handed over will help strengthen water safety, hygiene practices, and infection prevention at both community and facility levels. We are fully aware of the strain cholera outbreaks have placed on communities and on the health system, particularly in the Copperbelt and Southern Provinces. This delivery is therefore focused on getting resources directly to the front lines. Our goal is clear: to reinforce preventive measures, protect frontline health workers, and ensure that affected communities have the basic means to maintain hygiene and access safe water,” said Marta Palmarola, Health Programme Manager at the European Union Delegation to Zambia and COMESA on behalf of ECHO.

In her handover remarks, Dr. Saja Farooq Abdullah, Representative, UNICEF Zambia, commented as follows: “Clean water and hygiene are the first line of defense against cholera, protecting children and families before outbreaks begin. UNICEF’s deep experience in working with communities ensures that lifesaving support reaches those who need it most—especially the most vulnerable children and their families. Together with the Government of Zambia and our partners, we are committed to leaving no child behind and building a future where every child can grow up healthy.”

UNICEF is working with the government, partners, and communities to strengthen hygiene practices and prevent cholera outbreaks across Zambia.

Receiving these supplies, Professor Roma Chilengi, Director General of ZNPHI, expressed his gratitude to UNICEF and the EU, stating that: “This donation comes at a critical moment. As the rainy season begins, these supplies will help us act swiftly to protect lives. We deeply value UNICEF and the European Union’s partnership in safeguarding public health.”

The supplies, which include liquid chlorine, jerry cans, handwashing liquid, soap, sanitizers, chlorine test kits, waste management materials, cloth rolls, and risk communication and community engagement tools, will be critical in improving water safety, promoting hygiene, and strengthening infection prevention and control at community and household levels. ZNPHI will coordinate the distribution of the supplies to priority communities, ensuring timely delivery where it matters most.

Note to editors:

The supplies will be distributed in 16 Priority Areas of Multisectoral Interventions (PAMIs): Kabwe, Chililabombwe, Ndola, Kitwe, Masaiti, Mufulila, Chipata, Lusaka, Solwezi, Choma, Itezhi tezhi, Mongu, Nakonde, Mpika, Nsama and Mpulungu.