Zambia’s cholera cases surpass 1,100 as Sudan declares end of epidemic

Zambia has recorded no fewer than 1,110 cumulative cholera cases since the latest outbreak began in August 2025, according to figures released on Tuesday by the Zambia National Public Health Institute. The update followed the reporting of nine new cases, with confirmed cholera-related deaths that have risen to 18. Health authorities said nine patients were […]

Zambia has recorded no fewer than 1,110 cumulative cholera cases since the latest outbreak began in August 2025, according to figures released on Tuesday by the Zambia National Public Health Institute.

The update followed the reporting of nine new cases, with confirmed cholera-related deaths that have risen to 18.

Health authorities said nine patients were discharged during the same reporting period, bringing the total number of recoveries to 1,083, while nine other patients remain hospitalised.

 

A total of 376,573 people in affected districts have been vaccinated against cholera so far.

The outbreak has spread to 20 of the country’s 116 districts, including the capital, Lusaka.

Zambia previously experienced its worst cholera outbreak between October 2023 and July 2024, when more than 23,000 cases and over 700 deaths were recorded nationwide.

Meanwhile, Sudan’s Ministry of Health officially declared the country free of the cholera epidemic on Wednesday, meeting scientific standards and the International Health Regulations following an 18-month outbreak.

Montasir Mohamed Osman, head of the health emergencies and epidemics control directorate at the ministry, said, “Since Jan. 14, no cases have been recorded in any state.

“Based on scientific data and the International Health Regulations, Sudan is free of the cholera epidemic.’’

Osman explained that strict criteria for declaring the end of a cholera outbreak include two full incubation periods without new cases, confirmed cessation of local transmission, no active infection chains, and no new community hotspots or geographic spread.

“We can confirm that Sudan is free of the epidemic, unless cases come from abroad,’’ he added.

The Ministry of Health conducted extensive containment efforts, administering 20 million vaccine doses, carrying out about 100 medical campaigns, and holding 130 central emergency room meetings to monitor the epidemiological situation, said Osman.

Sudan first announced the outbreak of cholera in August 2024.

 

According to earlier statistics, the country recorded over 100,000 cases nationwide, including about 2,408 deaths, between July 2024 and Dec. 21, 2025. (Xinhua/NAN)