WHO Pledges Support to All 116 Councils in Zambia’s Cholera Elimination Drive

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has pledged technical support to all 116 local authorities in Zambia to strengthen water, sanitation and hygiene services and advance the country’s target of eliminating cholera by 2030.

WHO Country Representative to Zambia, Dr Clement Lasuba, made the commitment during a meeting with Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development Permanent Secretary for Administration, Dr Gabriel Pollen, on Wednesday.

Dr Lasuba said the support would focus on strengthening the capacity of councils to plan and prioritise effective water and sanitation investments, improve solid waste management and monitor the public health impact of hygiene interventions.

He said local authorities play a critical role in delivering municipal services and improving living conditions, adding that targeted technical assistance would help communities address some of the underlying conditions that contribute to waterborne diseases.

The initiative will be implemented through the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, with a focus on practical interventions at community level.

Dr Pollen welcomed WHO’s continued partnership and pointed to government investments in local infrastructure, particularly through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), which he said was helping expand water points and improve access to safe drinking water.

He also called for increased bilateral support from WHO and other cooperating partners to complement government efforts and speed up the delivery of sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene services.

Both officials reaffirmed the need for closer cooperation between health and local government structures to protect public health and prevent future disease outbreaks.