Lusaka, Zambia - October 07, 2024

A Chinese firm signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a Zambian company on Monday for the construction of an oral cholera vaccine plant in the African country, which will be the fist one in Africa.

The Chinese company, Jijia International Medical Technology, inked the MoU with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), an investment arm of the Zambian government, at the State House in Zambia's capital Lusaka, which was witnessed by Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema and Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Han Jing.

Jijia International Medical Technology will introduce China's sole cholera vaccine, an innovative oral capsule developed from the research of the Chinese Academy of Military Medical Sciences, and plans to introduce more human and animal vaccines to Zambia, according to the Chinese firm's deputy general manager.

Addressing the signing ceremony, President Hichilema said that the construction of the vaccine plant is very important for Zambia, which can not only improve the country's public health capacity, prevent and control infectious diseases and protect people's health and safety, but also benefit neighboring countries and promote regional economic and social development.

Expressing his gratitude to the Chinese government for its long-term strong support for promoting pragmatic bilateral cooperation, the president noted that the collaboration in the sector of public health is a significant manifestation of the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind.

The president said Zambia was among the high-risk countries, having faced more than 20,000 cholera cases and nearly 700 deaths during the 2023-2024 outbreak. The vaccine plant will serve not only Zambia, but also the broader region and Africa.

Shotlist:
Lusaka, Zambia - Oct 7, 2024:
1. Various of signing ceremony in progress;
2. Chinese, Zambian representatives inking documents;
3. Chinese, Zambian representatives shaking hands, posing for photos; witnesses applauding;
4. SOUNDBITE (Engish) Hakainde Hichilema, Zambian President(ending with shot 5):
"We are also sending a signal that Zambia, Africa and the globe, a number of countries, are able to work together with those that have the technology - China. We are able to contrive a partnership for the greater good of humanity. And I like the principle of President Xi Jinping to have a shared future with the global community.";
FILE: Lusaka, Zambia - Date Unknown
5. National flag of Zambia;
6. Various of traffic, pedestrians.

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