Zambia has signed an MOU with China to create its first cholera vaccine plant, costing $37 million and set to produce three million doses annually. Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema emphasized the project’s role in combating cholera, which has had devastating impacts. China will donate three million doses prior to local production as Zambia seeks to strengthen its public health infrastructure.

Zambia has formally entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with China to establish its inaugural cholera vaccine manufacturing facility. This initiative, disclosed on Monday, is designed to bolster Zambia’s efforts in combating cholera, a condition that has significantly affected public health and economic productivity. The first phase of the construction, with an investment requirement of $37 million, will be realized through a collaboration between Zambia’s Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and China’s Jijia International Medical Technology Corporation. It is anticipated that the facility will have an annual production capacity of approximately three million vaccine doses. During the signing ceremony held in Lusaka, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema underscored the project’s crucial role in the endeavor to eliminate cholera from the nation. He noted that Zambia holds the potential to emerge as a vital manufacturing hub within Africa, particularly given the rapid population growth across the continent. “This partnership sends a message that Zambia, Africa, and the world can collaborate effectively. We aim to make Zambia a center for manufacturing to serve larger markets,” remarked President Hichilema. The president further emphasized the necessity of expediting the project, indicating that it must overcome bureaucratic hurdles due to its significant life-preserving implications. An integral component of the MOU stipulates that China will provide three million doses of cholera vaccine to Zambia prior to the commencement of local production. Earlier this year, Zambia experienced a dire cholera epidemic, resulting in over 400 fatalities and more than 10,000 infections. Despite cholera being treatable, it remains a recurring threat, particularly during the rainy season.

Cholera is an acute diarrheal illness caused by infection of the intestine with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. In Zambia, cholera outbreaks have been historically linked to inadequate sanitation and water supply, especially during the rainy season. The country has faced several severe outbreaks, impacting public health significantly. In recent years, these outbreaks have led to extensive loss of life and economic setbacks, prompting the need for local vaccine production to enhance public health responses. The newly established plant is expected to not only address local needs but also position Zambia as a strategic manufacturing location for cholera vaccines on the continent as African nations seek more autonomy in their healthcare provisions.

In conclusion, the establishment of Zambia’s first cholera vaccine manufacturing facility represents a significant advancement in the country’s healthcare capabilities. This collaborative endeavor with China will not only aid in filling the immediate need for cholera vaccination but also positions Zambia as a potential manufacturing leader in Africa. The partnership embodies a proactive approach to public health, aiming to reduce the incidence of cholera, which continues to pose a risk despite being a preventable and treatable disease. The infusion of support through vaccine donations before production commences further exemplifies the critical nature of this initiative.

Original Source: www.africanews.com

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