Chinese construction giant AVIC International on Jan 4 donated funds to Zambia's health ministry to help combat a cholera outbreak in Lusaka, the country's capital.

The Chinese firm presented a cheque of 100,000 Zambian Kwacha ($10,000) to Minister of Health Chitalu Chilufya during a ceremony following escalating cases of the waterborne disease.

Cui Ji, the firm's representative, said the increased cholera cases in the city were a source of concern, hence the company's decision to make a donation towards the fight.

He said this was not the first time that AVIC contributed funds towards the response to the cholera fight as it contributed 40,000 Kwacha ($4,000) a week ago to the local authority in the city for the same purpose.

He said all stakeholders needed to work together to prevent further spread of cholera.

According to official figures, cumulative cholera cases have now reached 2,148 countrywide, with the country's capital accounting for 2,091 of the cases and 51 deaths.

On his part, Chilufya thanked the Chinese firm as well as other partners who were coming on board to help combat the epidemic.