The Veterinary Association of Zambia (VAZ) has raised alarm over the exposure of unsuspecting members of the public to dog meat, calling for stringent measures to address the illicit trade. VAZ President Malcolm Chiyoba emphasized the need for strengthened laws to regulate the sale of meat intended for public consumption, citing gaps in existing legislation.

Dr. Chiyoba underscored the importance of requiring sellers to produce valid meat inspection certificates before selling meat to the public, advocating for the revision of outdated legislation such as The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1960. He emphasized that animals intended for meat should only be slaughtered at designated facilities under veterinary supervision.

Furthermore, Dr. Chiyoba urged for the expedited enactment of the Animal Welfare Act to modernize the legal framework and deter illicit activities. He warned of the potential underground business of dog breeding, expressing concerns over the sale of dog meat disguised as other meats to unsuspecting customers.

“Dogs have serious zoonotic diseases, and their consumption exposes humans to the risk of diseases such as rabies, Trichinella, Cryptosporidium, and other parasites,” Dr. Chiyoba cautioned.

Sheila Oparaocha, Vice Chairperson for Lusaka Welfare Society and representative of Zambian Animal Welfare Organizations, echoed Dr. Chiyoba’s concerns, highlighting the health risks associated with consuming dog meat. She condemned the continued sale of unvaccinated dogs to the public, stressing that it is not a part of Zambian culture and increases the risk of rabies transmission.

Dr. Oparaocha called on VAZ to provide guidance to professionals in both the government and private sectors to address the issue effectively. She emphasized the deep connection between the well-being of humans and animals, urging for collective efforts to safeguard public health and animal welfare.

The Consortium of Animal Welfare Societies in Zambia joined the call for action, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in combatting the illegal trade of dog meat and protecting both humans and animals from health risks associated with unregulated consumption.

Vice President Mutale Nalumango has lauded the recently concluded Economic Governance Training Workshop for Cabinet Ministers, emphasizing its role in shaping government policy decisions and strategic interventions. Addressing ministers at the closing ceremony of the four-day training workshop in Lusaka, Ms. Nalumango underscored the invaluable insights gained from comprehensive discussions and analysis of various aspects of economic governance.

The Vice President highlighted the significance of exploring crucial elements of economic governance vital for the country’s development and prosperity. She stressed the importance the government places on ministerial training, urging ministers to leverage the skills and knowledge acquired to provide effective leadership and oversight in their respective portfolios.

“Our commitment is to leave a positive footprint in the development of the country, necessitating a holistic approach to economic governance,” Ms. Nalumango affirmed, emphasizing the collaborative efforts required across sectors to drive economic growth and job creation. She called for increased collaboration and coordination among sectors to achieve the country’s economic transformation agenda.

Minister of Livestock and Fisheries, Makozo Chikote, echoed the sentiment, noting the training’s role in emphasizing the importance of collaboration in achieving economic growth. He highlighted the review of service delivery and governance in public sectors as integral components of the training, expressing satisfaction with its outcomes.

Former Secretary to the Cabinet, Leslie Mbula, emphasized the training’s importance in acquainting ministers with the operations of the public service machinery. Mr. Mbula stressed the necessity for ministers to not only understand but also effectively implement the knowledge gained, urging them to share their insights with subordinates within their ministries.

“What remains now is for these ministers to ensure they realize what they have learned here, pass it on to others so that the vision can be realized,” Mr. Mbula stated, underlining the imperative of knowledge dissemination within ministries.

The Economic Governance Training Workshop stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to capacity building and effective governance, setting the stage for informed decision-making and coordinated efforts towards national development goals.

In an effort towards bolstering early childhood development and education in Zambia, a delegation led by Ms. Jamie Anne Cooper, President of Big Win Philanthropy, met with President Hakainde Hichilema and his administration to discuss a collaborative initiative. The project, focused on nurturing the youth of Zambia, particularly in Chongwe and Lusaka, has garnered the endorsement of President Hichilema, who emphasized the pivotal role of investing in children for the future of the nation.

During the meeting held at State House, President Hichilema reiterated his government’s commitment to providing essential amenities and education to children nationwide, underscoring the importance of instilling a culture of hard work and responsibility among the youth. He expressed a resolute determination to combat moral decay and cultivate a society grounded in values and principles, both domestically and on a global scale.

Endorsing the initiative, President Hichilema highlighted the crucial role of early childhood development and education in shaping a disciplined and orderly society aligned with Zambia’s aspirations. He emphasized the necessity of ensuring the success of the project, urging for its expansion beyond Lusaka and Chongwe to benefit a broader spectrum of citizens across the country.

Ms. Cooper, representing Big Win Philanthropy, affirmed the organization’s commitment to aligning the program with the government’s objectives for early childhood development and education. The collaborative effort aims to harness resources and expertise to realize Zambia’s vision of nurturing responsible and empowered citizens from a young age.

Education Minister Douglas Syakalima emphasized the critical importance of the first thousand days of a child’s life for their holistic development, further underscoring the significance of investing in early childhood initiatives.

The pledge of support from Big Win Philanthropy represents a significant stride towards advancing early childhood development and education in Zambia, signaling a collective effort between government and philanthropic organizations to secure a brighter future for the nation’s youth.