The European Union (EU) has pledged an additional €150,000 in humanitarian aid to support Zambia’s response to the ongoing cholera outbreak, which threatens more than 1.9 million people.
The funding will be directed toward the Zambia Red Cross Society’s efforts to provide clean water, healthcare, sanitation, and hygiene services. Community engagement initiatives will also be strengthened to help curb the spread of the disease.
The outbreak, first reported in Nakonde District in December 2024, has escalated to 269 confirmed cases and nine fatalities as of February 20, 2025. Several districts have been affected, with Chililabombwe in Copperbelt Province among the hardest hit. The disease has disproportionately impacted men, particularly cross-border truck drivers and traders, due to overcrowding, poor sanitation, and unsafe food sources.
In response, the Zambian government, in collaboration with key partners such as the Zambia Red Cross Society, is implementing a multi-pronged strategy focusing on prevention, treatment, and community awareness. The EU-funded emergency response initiative will continue until August 2025, targeting the most affected areas, including Copperbelt and Muchinga provinces.
This funding is part of the EU’s broader commitment to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ (IFRC) Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF). The EU, as a leading global humanitarian donor, supports disaster response efforts worldwide, including rapid assistance for smaller-scale emergencies through its partnership with the IFRC.
With the rainy season ongoing, health officials warn that the risk of further cholera spread remains high, especially in densely populated regions. If not contained, the outbreak could strain healthcare facilities and escalate into a larger public health crisis, particularly given Zambia’s cross-border movement with Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.