Online Reporter
Harmony Agere
THE Cabinet has approved a Contingency Fund meant to strengthen the country’s preparedness and early response to water-borne diseases this rainy season.
Addressing the post-Cabinet media briefing this afternoon, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Zhemu Soda said while no major outbreaks have been reported, officials were taking a proactive approach.
“The country has experienced sporadic and isolated outbreaks of waterborne diseases, typically associated with the rainy season,” he said.
“Although no major outbreaks have been officially declared, risks remain elevated due to current weather conditions, population movements, and increased strain on water and sanitation infrastructure.”
Government has intensified preparedness efforts, including comprehensive risk and hazard mapping, heightened alertness among response agencies and expanded public health communication initiatives.
“These measures aim to prevent isolated cases from developing into large-scale outbreaks, and to reduce undue pressure on the healthcare system,” said Minister Soda.
“Cabinet has approved a Contingency Fund to support the Ministry of Health and Child Care’s preparedness and early response activities for seasonal disease outbreaks.”
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health and Child Care has begun developing a new National Health Strategy that is aligned with National Development Strategy 2.
The strategy is expected to harness and ring-fence all possible health financing, including the National Health Insurance Scheme.
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