THE Government has appealed to the World Health Organisation (WHO) to help Zambia mitigate the impact of floods following the high risk of malaria and cholera outbreaks.
Foreign Affairs Minister, Kabinga Pande, said the floods that Zambia was experiencing could trigger outbreaks of diseases, hence the need to provide adequate medical kits.
Mr Pande said this in Lusaka when he received letters of credence from newly appointed WHO country representative to Zambia, Olusegun Babaniyi.
“Although I am aware that WHO is involved in the partnership of special initiatives and programmes in Zambia in collaboration with the ministry of Health, my appeal is for WHO to help Zambia mitigate the impact of floods by providing various medical kits to help reduce outbreaks of malaria,” Mr Pande said.
The minister said the Government enjoyed cordial relationship with WHO since 1964 when the two ratified the basic agreement for provision of technical advisory and human resource development.
“The Government also appreciates the support you render in formulation of reproductive Health policy strategies and guidelines for Zambia,” he said
Speaking earlier, Dr Babaniyi assured the Government that WHO would always work hand in hand with the Health ministry to improve the delivery of health services in Zambia.
Dr Babaniyi, a Nigerian national, holds a Msc in Epidemiology from the Harvard school of Public Health in Boston which he obtained in 1984.
“It’s my privilege to be appointed here in Zambia. I promise that WHO will always work with the Zambian Government to ensure that the health sector is working to the expectations and provides the basic services to the citizens,” Dr Babaniyi said
And the Australian government has allocated US$2 million in humanitarian assistance to Zambia and two other countries, which have been ravaged by floods.
This is according to a statement by parliamentary secretary for international development assistance, Bob McMullan, that was made available to Times in Lusaka yesterday.
Apart from Zambia others are Malawi and Mozambique.
The humanitarian assistance to the three countries would be provided through the AusAID, the Australian aid agency.
The support will include the provision of access to safe water, sanitation facilities, emergency shelter, seeds and agro equipment as well as family kits containing blankets, mosquito nets, cutlery and cookery.
“The Australian government, through AusAID, will provide $2 million in humanitarian assistance to flood victims in Southern Africa.
assistance you are given yes. But for your long fingers!! what kind if Zed is this where we have the whole VEEP parading himself receiving donations even as little as 1 pin. his motocade and staff cost more than the cheques he has been receiving in Mazabuka. shame.
Dear sir plz. I want urgent help from you. I am from india i found some symptoms to my father similar to N1H1 Swaine flue. He has normal fever, pain in head and all muscules,only not problem in throat also he never made contact with such a person please tell me what willbe this bec it makes normal after medicine and again comes to its previous state please tell me well about this and what action should be taken if it is true.plz. Urgent reply i am under tension situation.