Northern Province Deputy Permanent Secretary, Beauty Undi-Phiri, has called for a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach in tackling public health emergencies affecting the province.

Undi-Phiri said the province had faced several health challenges since 2024, including outbreaks of cholera, Mpox, and measles.

Speaking during the official opening of the Provincial Epidemic Preparedness and Response Meeting held in Kasama on Friday, she noted that the most significant epidemiological event so far in 2025 had been the ongoing cholera outbreak.

“As of November 4, 2025, the province had recorded a cumulative total of 482 cholera cases affecting five districts—Mpulungu, Mbala, Nsama, Senga Hill, and Kaputa,” Undi-Phiri said.

She revealed that the index case was detected in Mpulungu District on August 5, 2025, which has since recorded 305 cumulative cases as of November 3. Nsama District has reported 147 cases, while Senga Hill and Kaputa have recorded five and one case respectively.

Undi-Phiri further disclosed that between 2024 and 2025, the province recorded 582 confirmed measles cases across Mungwi and Kasama districts.

Meanwhile, Northern Province Health Director Ernest Mutale stressed the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in combating cholera and other public health threats.

Mutale said all sectors must play their part in addressing the challenges posed by communicable diseases to safeguard public health in the province.

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