ZAMBIA RECORDS 119 CONFIRMED MEASLES CASES, WESTERN PROVINCE HARDEST HIT

 ZAMBIA has recorded 119 laboratory-confirmed measles cases, with Western Province as the epicentre, the Ministry of Health said.

Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi told a media briefing that between January and June 2026, the ministry recorded 700 suspected cases and collected 417 samples for testing. Of those, 119 tested positive.

“Western Province has emerged as the epicentre of the current outbreak, accounting for the highest burden of 329 suspected cases,” Lishimpi said. Other provinces with active cases are Lusaka, North-Western and Southern.

He said 87.4% of confirmed patients had an unknown or missing immunisation history, “highlighting significant immunity gaps.”

In response, the Ministry has activated the National Public Health Emergency Operations Centre under the Zambia National Public Health Institute to coordinate a multi-sectoral response, Lishimpi said. He urged parents to ensure children receive all recommended measles vaccine doses.

UNICEF Zambia Immunisation Specialist Dr. Ghanashyam Sethy said authorities have seen more cases among children over age five.

WHO Representative Dr. O-Tipo Shikanga commended the government for “strong leadership, transparency and timely communication” in declaring the outbreak. “Early detection and prompt reporting are critical to protecting communities,” he said. WHO pledged technical support, surveillance and risk communication.

Lishimpi added that Zambia has recorded no cases of Ebola or cholera.

(Mwebantu, Friday, 3rd July, 2026)