Zambia Steps Up Preparedness for Ebola to Protect Children and Communities

30 July 2026 – Lusaka, Zambia.  UNICEF Zambia today handed over water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and infection prevention and control (IPC) supplies worth over 2 million Kwacha to the Ministry of Health to strengthen the country’s preparedness for Ebola and other Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers (VHFs), including the Bundibugyo Virus Disease. 

To date, Zambia has not recorded any cases of Ebola or other Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers. However, the Government has stepped up preparedness activities to detect early and respond rapidly, should a case be detected. Preparedness is critical because diseases such as Ebola can spread quickly once introduced into a community. Access to clean water, safe hygiene practices and the right equipment to prevent infection are among the most effective ways to protect health workers, communities and children, stop transmission and save lives. 

Children are among the most vulnerable during disease outbreaks like Ebola. Outbreaks can also disrupt essential health services, immunization, nutrition programmes and routine care that millions of children rely on. 

The supplies handed over today will help health facilities across the country safely identify and care for suspected patients while protecting frontline health workers and communities. The consignment includes life-saving personal protective equipment, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) supplies, infection prevention and control materials, and risk communication materials to raise awareness about Ebola and support a safe and effective response. 

The Ministry of Health will distribute these supplies to key locations across the country, including border entry points, hospitals, and emergency response teams. Ensuring these essential items are available in advance and where they are needed most means health workers can respond quickly, provide safer care and contain any potential outbreak on time. 

"We don't wait for an outbreak to act; we act now so that, when the moment comes, Zambia is ready. These supplies mean that health workers on the frontlines have what they need to protect themselves, their patients and their communities. This is how we keep children safe and essential services running, even in the most difficult circumstances," said Dr. Saja Farooq Abdullah, UNICEF Representative, at the handover. 

The Ministry of Health leads Zambia's emergency preparedness efforts, working closely with UNICEF and partners to ensure the right systems and supplies are in place. 

“Preparedness is our strongest defence against public health emergencies. This timely support from UNICEF strengthens Zambia's ability to prevent, detect and respond to Ebola and other Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers by protecting health workers and communities should the risk of infection arise. We value this partnership and thank UNICEF and other partners for helping safeguard the health of our people," said Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi, Permanent Secretary, Technical Services at the Ministry of Health. 

UNICEF continues to work closely with the Government to strengthen emergency preparedness, support coordination and logistics, and ensure that health systems can respond rapidly to emerging public health risks. This support has been made possible through the generous support of UNICEF’s partners and donors, including Irish Aid for the procurement of risk communications materials, alongside Core Resources. Together, these partnerships are helping Zambia strengthen its capacity to respond effectively to health emergencies and protect children, families and communities. 

Note To Editors: 

The UNICEF-supported consignment includes: 

• Personal protective equipment (PPE); 

• Water, hygiene and sanitation (WASH) supplies; 

• Waste management and isolation materials; 

• Risk communication materials. 

   

For more information, please contact:  

Twaambo Siavwapa, Head of Communications and Public Relations, Ministry of Health, [email protected]  

Sarah Olympia Talon Sampieri, Chief of Advocacy & Communications (OiC), UNICEF Zambia, [email protected]