Zambia has threatened to withdraw the secondment of Dr Anthony Kasolo at the World Health Organisation Africa Office after he issued a statement questioning Zambia preparedness for an Ebola attack.
During a public discussion organised by the Post Freedom Committee of the Post Newspapers over the weekend, Dr Kasolo stated that Zambia was not ready to face a possible outbreak of the killer Ebola disease.
“We are not yet there to say we can touch our hearts and say we are ready to handle the Ebola virus, unless there is something being done that I am not aware of. Otherwise I am convinced that in our current status, we cannot handle the disease, that is my personal views,” Dr Kasolo stated.
But Health Minister Dr Joseph Kasonde said Dr Kasolo’s statement could warrant his recall from the WHO regional office in the Congo Brazzaville as it does not reflect the correct state of affairs.
Dr Kasolo who is the Director for Disease Prevention and Control Cluster has been working with the WHO Africa Office since 2004.
“We will have to consider our secondment of Dr Kasolo because he is undermining the efforts that we are making in. He cannot make such a statement without consulting with the people on the ground,” Dr Kasonde said.
“As a Ministry, we take great exception to such statements. The Ministry was not consulted and we have done a lot of preparedness to handle Ebola if an outbreak occurred,” he said.
Dr Kasonde told a media briefing in the company of WHO Country Representative for Zambia Dr Olusegun Babaniyi that Zambia has constituted a team which has already conducted training and awareness at all the major entry points including international airports.
He said personal protective equipment has also been procured and all provincial medical personal are on high alert.
“I would like the nation to know that there is no immediate threat to Zambia and Zambia in its history has never recorded Ebola. The Ministry is perturbed by Dr Kasolo’s sentiments because they are misleading,” Dr Kasonde said.
Come Dr. Kasonde, What Kasolo said is true.I agree with him on this. Virology is my area and one thing i know for sure is that we are incapable of handling an Ebola or Marburg virus outbreak.We just don`t have lab facilities for those things and a proper know how of how proper quarantine can be done ,unless if i`m also wrong.Some of these things are not worth politicizing.Admit when someone points out your weaknesses.
Saulosi, kanshi you are not just a cadre, walikwata amano kanshi. Lol. I’m sure your brothers Nostradamus and Wanzelu will agree with you for the first time. Big ups for being above partisan politics
@Saulosi
Some times you wear your correct brains.
@The Chosen One and wanzelu
Ki ki ki i just come on Lusaka times as a pastime.I spend most of my time behind the computer because of the nature of my work(research) so it is easier for me to see new articles posted here.It is just a pity that my political views are not what you guys believe in.But again i can`t have sleepless nights over this(Different views and opinions) because there is nothing wrong in being different from the majority.We all look at life in a different perspective compared to the man next to you.I always tell people that what is right or wrong is relative ,so a person like Wanzelu can think I`m insane because he is making his judgement from his own perspective.We are all unique so next time you think of calling me names think twice again.I`m me and you are you.
The dead line is fast approaching for the PF to let the President address the nation on ZNBC tomorrow. Preparation have reached an advanced stage to hold national wide protest to demand the president to show up in public and talk to his people.
If SATA does not show up by Wednesday then Thursday National wide protest will go ahead.
SATA PLEASE SHOW YOUR SELF IF YOU ARE ALIVE OTHERWISE COME THURSDAY ALL TOWNS WILL MATCH IN PROTEST.
Hold a meeting, invite ZNBC and other media houses to make your appearance credible. No more photo shopping please. Most Zambians are not f00ls save except for PF minions.
IF SATA DOES NOT SHOW UP ,THIS WILL CONFIRM THE FACT THAT SATA IS DEAD AND HOOKED TO A MACHINE IN ISRAEL.
Saulosi ! I always knew there is something about this guy.Saulosi will you marry me ? Just kidding.No am serious.I love the way you come out brother.
Eish I’m shocked @ Saulosi is a virologist! So why this cadre mentality kanshi????
PF IS CULT PARTY. Only deluded bigots can not see that.
PF is good example of a cult party under Sata.People are hypnotised to believe all his lies including his 90days and more money in your pocket mantra. A cult does not let its people question its leader if even if he is making a mistake. Is any one allowed to question Sata in PF? No. Now that is a pure cult. PF members take Sata as a supreme leader not to be disagreed with. Any one who has dared to question Sata’s wisdom has been dealt severely.
On the contrary in UPND ,HH engages his followers in a meaningful debate and allows those with divergent views to raise their concerns. He listens to members and take their advice seriously. In UPND we do not believe in one man knows it all like in PF.
UPND and HH are the future.
Nice one Saulosi.A great man is judged by standing for what he believes in and not buying into the hype and aspirations of the majority people.This shows that you have great personal ethics, principles and independent judgment.I will never disrespect you again.Respect bro.
I 110% agree with you on this one.
@ Saulosi what you’ve outlined is exemplary.
Saulosis, since you are a virologist. twebeko mdala, do retroviruses cause fatal diseases like the syndrome disease commonly known as Aids? I have been searching for peer reviewed journal papers with scientific proof of the retroviruse HIV being spread sexually,causing AIDS and i have not found any till now. All i find are mediocre papers with empirical and fabricated evidence to attest to that fact.
Yangu, it’s donchi kubeba!
@Zagaze
Just go to pubmed you will found a lot of publications in that area.To answer your question yes they do.
Even USA or China cannot handle Ebola outbreak, so just calm down
Sauloshi, you talk about quarantine – are you sure we don’t know how to quarantine??
ISOLATING TB patients , Cholera patients etc is ALL CALLED QUARANTINE!!!! You may argue that an extra dimension might be to Isolate those that have been exposed but not yet displaying symptoms, as the COMPLETE PROCESS OF QUARANTINE!!
As concerns Labs, it is fairly easy to equip a lab when there is such an outbreak as countries don’t tackle such outbreaks as this one in isolation but at an international level under the ambit of WHO – as is the case in West Africa – WHO is CLOSELY INVOLVED in trying to PREVENT A PANDEMIC!
Granted you as someone who works in Virology, we should all avoid politicizing such issues!
First and foremost thats Dr Francis Kasolo, Mr Anthony Kasolo is the immediate elder brother and lawyer. Dr Kasolo is very professional and unlike politicians, I believe he is just telling it as it is. His candid disclosure should prompt the Ministry of Health to work and put a strategy in place to cover such an eventuality. Threats do not work. Francis has worked at UTH and School of Medicine and as such has an ear to fellow professionals on the ground who can tell him first hand information as to what Ministry of Health is working on. Instead of issuing threats, the Minister should have rebuffed the statement by telling us what plans they have in place to tackle such an eventuality. Less threats and more dialogue and openness.
Finally our dear friend Saulosi has come out. Saulosi is a Kasolo and a nephew to the President just like Anthony and the PS in Luapula Province. His objectivity comes more from a conflict of interest rather than professional integrity.
No need of doing that.
True to PF character everything is personalized. It’s hard in our country to maintain professional integrity and voice objective opinions.
Doc…..ale landafye ichishinka. we are not prepared as a nation and our government is taking this as a joke. in short what doc is saying is that pull up your socks and stop thinking about firing and hiring only……get prepared in all angles. Doc works were this threat is eminent so he knows what he is talking about when he says zed is not prepared. recalling Doc is not a solution “only if you are a fool” what you need is Doc’s help in preparing zambia for a possible outbreak.
as a spy i have files on people, so when i say Dr kasolo!!!! i mean thats a proper doctor we have and must be proud of……i have a small file on Dr kasolo, infact he is francis not anthony. used to work in zimbabwe under the former Dr for Kaunda at W.H.O . thats a Doc and half. ask Hewitt (former world bank employee) he will 2nd me. if Doc says zed is not prepared …….then zed is not prepared, so you stupid minister starting preparing our country for a possible attack with world class equipment for quarantine and labs ….stop your stupid mouth from yapping nosense chi#ala
It occurs to me that we struggle to contain, and by the same token prevent, annual outbreaks of Cholera and we dare believe that we can contain a deadly disease like Ebola??? Perhaps the Minister was quoted wrongly (#scatching my head) if he wasn’t, I am alarmed that the entire Minister of Health would say that because Zambia has never recorded a case of Ebola there is no immediate threat – hello!!! The world is a global village, and West Africa has become a very popular Zambian destination. Just work on improving our Healthcare sector please Sir.
Maybe Dr Kasolo should have said we are ready when in fact not. This would really have pleased our politician/Dr. Then after ‘certifying’ Zambia ‘ready’ we have an outbreak we cant handle, Kasolo’s reputation on the line. So choice to make, please Kasonde or protect own reputation. What would you do if in Kasolo’s shoes?
Kasonde don’t be a bully naiwe. Just tell the nation what you have done and are doing to prepare for such a situation. And show the evidence pleases. Don’t threaten people like a dictator. This doctor gave his professional opinion. You should have used the opportunity to ask for more input on the issue. Instead you threaten somebody with job loss. Thinking is not against any law. Examining and diagnosing a condition or situation is a doctors job. The doctor diagnosed Zambia as unprepared. Or maybe its a prognosis. Just deal with it.
How are you going to recall Kasolo who belongs to the Family Forest?
The country has a shortage of nursers and our health system is already under a lot of strain. I don’t think we can cope with an outbreak of a vicious disease such as Ebola. We are not equipped medically with the human capital, labs nor monies to contain it. Plus, it was his own personal view.
#Ba Mutembde mwane, I am on the same page with you. Zambia has failed to contain annual outbreaks of Cholera, how can the country handle Ebola? this health minister is not even qualified to be health minister. leave dr Kasolo alone. he is needed at WHO
What Dr Francis Kasolo said is the truth. Dr Kasonde and his Ministry of Health have failed to contain a Typhoid outbreak which has been going on for almost a year and is now endemic. In some places of Zambia we have over 50% percent of people with Bilharzia . These are curable diseases Dr Kasonde….tell us how you will prevent us from Ebola.
The statement by Dr Kasolo, in my view is not backed by authentic programme efforts the health sector has put in place to counter the disease in the event of an outbreak. I wonder if he gathered sufficient information on the current efforts being undertaken in the health sector to arrive at the remarks he made. .
Dr. Kasolo Francis the Great. The country Zambia has very rare brains like yours. You are just very unique. We are proud of you. Continue being professional ignore petty thinking as you save lives of the mojority.
All the health budget has been spent on Satas private hospital in State House and his “working holidays” in India, South Africa and Israel.
Where is the money coming from? Euro bond?
Zambia is not even prepared to handle HEMS Illnesses what more ebola?
And I think Francis correctly said ‘he doesn’t have the facts but that is his personal view’ does that warrant a withdrawal? And am not sure Kasonde understands the full implications of what he calls ‘a secondment’ yes Francis took sabbatical the best you can do is revoke that and then he will join the diaspora. Why not call the Director at WHO and have a tete a tete instead of rushing to the media?
saulosi has no time talking about his academic qualifications because that’s just one of the thing in life going to school is very important now becouse everyone should like in developed countries it does not make sense advertising your qualifications unless its something very new to you like robby okonko in no longer at easy
I don’t see why this man should be recalled — is Zambia prepared for this Ebola virus? If so, then someone simply needs to state that we are and then tell us how prepared we are (i.e. we have a quarantine set up, we have blankets and incinerators plus a team of doctors who are training first responders).
End Story.
Recalling someone for making a statement does not show openness, maturity or responsibility. It shows fear and insecurity.
#OneZambia
Why threaten Dr Kasolo for having an opinion, what kind of stupidity is this? The minister should be fired because he has shown he is not cut out for this kind of threat.
Our government cannot afford to excercise its usual laxity, lives are in immediate danger. South Africa which has a much more superior ability to fight this disease has closed its borders and is daily sensitising its people.
We need proactivity. We need not wait until the disease gets here. Instead of the ministry casually ‘cautioning’ people on hand shakes, handshaking should be banned and a strong campaign such as the HIV one lover iliche campaign should be launched. In South Korea during the SARS out break some years back, it was common for their citizens to be seen wearing gloves and masks as they went about…
Ba Minister do not embarrass us. Dr Kasolo is NOT on secondment to WHO. He has earned is position not like you! So explain to the nation how you will recall him.
The man is an employee of the WHO and not on secondment. This is what happens when an educated man become a politician, always get your facts right Mr Minister before you end up making yourself look a complete moron.
“Truth”, you are wrong!! People working for UN agencies such as WHO, DO REQUIRE A SECONDMENT FROM THEIR GOVTS, lest the UN be accused of “POACHING” brains from e.g poor countries etc!!!
It is his personnal view.
Its laughable these empty tins can not even manage basic PR for the illness an old frail sickly chain smoking man in State House.
Dr Kasolo is a rare breed of Zambian doctors, this gentleman is highly gifted and intelligent , for own information he was among the first Zambian doctors to specialize in Virology in Japan. If you want to know one good thing Nkandu Luo has ever done was to identify the potential of Dr Kasolo and groom him. Dr Kasolo as a junior doctor under Professor Walters at UTH carried out life saving operations to the amusement of his boss. Dr Kasolo was a real delight to work with as young brilliant doctor, full of respect to his bosses and co- workers. Dr Kasonde you would do well for yourself to keep your dementic brains out a rare medical gem please.To be forewarned is to be forearmed bwana Kasonde.
Now we know our minister is a political cadre. How do you recall someone for telling the truth. Me as a Zambian I know my country is not prepared for any disaster of a large scale. To the minister I say lying is a sin you need to recall yourself.
Medicine is my area, like we do in cholera (bacterial infection) a few people die but then we do contain the situation. Even in Ebola case (like any other country including developed ones), a few may die before containing the situation. We have enough heads (including Prof Nkandu Luo) and many others. I have faith in UTH as an institution and our people on the ground. Although it may be a bit challenging at the begining but Zambia can do it! Dr. Kasonde, you are right. Anti-Zambian voices above shame on you!
Its perfectly ridiculous to recall him for voicing an OPINION. Dr Kasolo’s statement was very clear to clarify, he was not aware of other arrangements gov’t had. He has been with WHO since 2004, that makes Dr Kasolo a highly experienced citizen whom we need to remain our representative. Ridiculous notion to recall him on those grounds, in fact bizarre!!
It is these knee jerk reactions from our politicians that would lead our great nation to no where. How on earth do you threaten someone just like that he says he does not think you guys are read to handle Ebola outbreak. If you are just tell the nation that you have abcd system(s) in place to handle the virus if it broke out in Zambia. Threatening someone with withdrawing him from service is absurd to say the least. This devil that has reduced our politicians to act like Zombies without thinking must be cast out in the name of Jesus. What kind of vindictiveness is this from our politicians? Do they have a mind of their own or they become dull when they join politics?
They become dull when they join politics.
Sorry Dr kasonde ,nobody was on your side,truth be told.
Dr Kasolo cannot be recalled, kasonde must be dreaming and probably has early dementia. The truth hurts. Kasonde wake up from your dullness.
Recall him and make him Minister for health, he knows a bit more than Kasonde!
Firstly Dr Kasolo is Francis not Anthony. Francis resigned from the Zambian government more than ten years ago. He was not seconded to WHO by any government! So how will Dr Kasonde recall him? Dr Kasonde worked in WHO and knows the conditions under which a person at Francis’ level is employed. Dr Kasonde should not threaten a fellow Doctor for giving an opinion. Francis did not get any support from the Zambian government when he did his PhD study at university of London. I am confident he will soldier on with or without any threats from anyone. It is time the pull him/her Down syndrome is buried in Zambia!!!!
Has Dr Kasonde now resumed his role as Minister of Health? Kaseba had hijacked that role for a long while.
Anyway, if you can’t handle the issue of the whereabouts of your Cabinet leader, how will you be effective with Ebola?
How does the entire Minister reacts so negatively to a statement made and clearly marked “my personal views.” Kasonde should have just outlined what his Ministry and Government has put in place if at all Zambia had an outbreak of Ebola. Such a statement would endear to those of us in the know rather than the cheap politicking which has no base other than demonstrating personal jealousy and vendetta. Surely does personal view warrant such venom of attack.
pf as usual showing dullness instead of learning from the statement made by the Dr the *****s take offence so kaponya as usual