Zambia has entered into a significant partnership with China to establish the country’s first cholera vaccine manufacturing plant, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Monday. This $37 million initiative will focus on producing three million doses in its initial phase, through a joint venture between Zambia’s Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and China’s Jijia International Medical Technology Corporation.
Speaking at the signing ceremony held at State House in Lusaka, President Hakainde Hichilema emphasized the critical role this project will play in Zambia’s ongoing efforts to combat cholera, a disease that has been a recurring public health issue, particularly during the rainy season, affecting the nation’s productivity and well-being.
“This partnership is a clear indication of Zambia’s growing capacity to position itself as a center for vaccine manufacturing, not just for our nation, but for the African continent as a whole. With Africa’s population growing rapidly, this project will help meet that demand. We must avoid bureaucratic delays because the lives of our people are at stake,” President Hichilema stated.
Before the plant becomes operational, China has pledged to donate three million doses of the cholera vaccine to support Zambia’s immediate healthcare needs. Cholera, though curable, continues to pose a serious threat during Zambia’s rainy seasons, often resulting in illness and death.
