A Chinese firm has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the construction of an oral cholera vaccine plant in Zambia. The Chinese company, Jijia International Medical Technology, on Monday signed the MoU with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), an investment arm of the Zambian government, at State House, which was witnessed by President Hakainde Hichilema and Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Han Jing.
Su Yonglin, the Chinese firm’s deputy general manager, said the company was honored to partner with the Zambian side to start production of the cholera vaccine as part of the first phase of local production. The company, he said, will introduce China’s sole cholera vaccine, an innovative oral capsule developed from the research of the Chinese Academy of Military Medical Sciences.
“The implementation of this project will provide robust health protection for the people of Zambia, promote local employment, and enhance Zambia’s emergency response capabilities in the face of public health crisis,” Su said. According to him, the vaccine presents one of the greatest achievements of modern medicine, serving as a critical tool in the control and elimination of diseases. He added that the company plans to introduce more human and animal vaccines in Zambia.