Zambia has achieved a significant milestone with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and JIJIA International Company Limited from China. This agreement positions Zambia as the first African country to manufacture a cholera vaccine, facilitated by the Zambia Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Initiative and partners such as Shanghai United Cell Biotechnology Company.
As a recognized Global Cholera Champion, Zambia co-sponsored the Cholera Prevention and Control Resolution, which aims to eliminate cholera by 2030. This partnership is expected to save lives, enhance productivity, and contribute to global health efforts, as cholera continues to threaten the Global South, impacting 1.3 billion people and resulting in approximately 2.86 million cases and 95,000 deaths annually.
Zambia is classified as a high-risk country, having reported over 20,000 cholera cases and nearly 700 deaths during the recent outbreak from 2023 to 2024. The new vaccine plant will not only benefit Zambia but will also serve the broader region and the African continent.
President Hakainde Hichilema expressed gratitude to President Xi Jinping and the people of China for their support in making this vision a reality.
