Government says that Zambia continues to face a significant burden of foodborne diseases, with over 7.2 million cases recorded in the past five years.
Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services Kennedy Lishimpi has disclosed that according to recent health data, Zambia has recorded millions of cases linked to foodborne illnesses, including diarrhoeal diseases and food poisoning, many of which are preventable through proper food handling, hygiene and safe storage practices.
The Permanent Secretary said this in a speech read for him by University Teaching Hospital Senior Medical Superintendent at the Children Hospital, Musaku Mwenechanga during the World Food Safety Day Commemorations in Lusaka, today.
He said that unsafe food remains a major public health challenge that threatens lives, productivity and economic development.
ZANIS reports that Dr Lishimpi stressed the urgent need to strengthen food safety systems and preventive measures across the country.
“Food safety should not be treated as a reactive intervention but rather as an integral component of national health, agriculture, trade and development policies,” he highlighted
The Permanent Secretary reiterated governments commitment to enhancing food safety through policy reforms, strengthened inspection and surveillance systems, improved laboratory capacity for food testing and increased public awareness campaigns on food hygiene and safe handling.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary for Special Educational Services Kelvin Mambwe said food safety is not only a public health concern but also a key development issue that affects education, nutrition, economic growth and overall human well being.
Dr Mambwe expressed that foodborne diseases continue to pose a significant burden globally, particularly among children, leading to illness, absenteeism from school, poor concentration, malnutrition and reduced learning outcomes.
He explained that unsafe food also increases healthcare costs for families and communities, thereby worsening poverty levels.
The Permanent Secretary indicated that the government’s School Feeding Programme remains an important intervention in improving school attendance, reducing dropout rates, enhancing concentration in class and supporting the health and well being of learners.
He however, stressed that the benefits of the programme can only be fully realised when food provided to learners is safe for consumption.
Dr Mambwe acknowledged that food safety must be prioritised at every stage of the food chain, including procurement, transportation, storage, preparation and serving of meals.
He has since reaffirmed that his Ministry will continue working closely with the Ministry of Health, food safety regulatory authorities, local authorities, development partners and communities to ensure that meals served in schools are both nutritious and safe.
This was said in a speech read on his behalf by Ministry of Education Assistant Director for School Health and Nutrition, Maybin Luulu.
And, Kabulonga Boys Secondary School Head Teacher Gatrude Phiri stated that the feeding programme initiative being championed by the government, ensures that children are not denied the opportunity to learn because of hunger and has become an important tool in supporting access to education.
Ms Phiri stressed the need for stakeholders to ensure that food provided to learners is safe and nutritious, describing food safety as a critical component of public health and learner development.
Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Country Representative Suze Percy explained that food should not be measured by quantity alone but also by the safety and quality of food produced.
