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President Hichilema Leads Lobito Corridor Investment Forum, Calls for Collaboration and Affordable Capital

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President Hichilema Leads Lobito Corridor Investment Forum, Calls for Collaboration and Affordable Capital

President Hakainde Hichilema officiated at the Lobito Corridor Private Sector Investment Forum in Chongwe District. The event, attended by delegates from Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Zambia, alongside partners from the United States, the European Union (EU), and other collaborators, highlighted the transformative potential of the Lobito Corridor Railway Line project.

In his address, President Hichilema expressed gratitude to all participants and emphasized the significance of the Lobito Corridor project. Once completed, the railway line will establish a vital link connecting Zambia to the Atlantic and Indian Oceans through Angola and Tanzania. This infrastructure development promises to modernize transport logistics, facilitate trade, and attract investments across various sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, renewable energy, and tourism.

Of notable mention is the collaborative initiative in electric battery trade involving Zambia, DRC, and the USA, which the corridor is set to support. President Hichilema extended special thanks to key contributors to the project’s development, including the United States, EU, Africa Finance Corporation, and African Development Bank.

Addressing fellow Zambians directly, President Hichilema stressed the importance of seizing the opportunities generated by this investment. He urged citizens to make the most of the jobs and prospects that will arise from the project’s implementation.

President Hichilema also emphasized the need for affordable capital and access to the best technology in realizing the Lobito Corridor development. He urged the private sector to communicate any challenges that may hinder the project’s progress, ensuring timely resolution for its successful realization.

The Lobito Corridor Private Sector Investment Forum attracted over 250 business leaders from around the world, signaling global interest and support for the project. US President Joseph Biden’s Senior Advisor, Amos Hochstein, expressed optimism regarding the project’s timeline, foreseeing its commencement by 2026 and operationalization before 2028.

Furthermore, Samaila Zubairu, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Africa Finance Corporation, highlighted the corridor’s potential to boost minerals exports by increasing capacity along the rail link.

As discussions continue and partnerships strengthen, the Lobito Corridor project stands as a beacon of economic growth and cooperation, poised to uplift the lives of citizens across the region.

President Hichilema officiated at the Lobito Corridor Private Sector Investment Forum in Chongwe District.

Pastor Arrested in Lusaka for Allegedly Causing Breach of Peace

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Pastor Arrested in Lusaka for Allegedly Causing Breach of Peace

Police at Lusaka Central Station have apprehended and detained Pastor Abraham Lloyd Mulenga, also known as Prophet Abraham Angel Israel, the leader of Angelic Ministry Church in Lusaka. The arrest is linked to an incident that occurred on February 6, 2024, around 20:00 hours along Cairo road in Lusaka.

Pastor Mulenga, aged 32, was taken into custody for allegedly conducting himself in a manner likely to cause a breach of the peace. Reports suggest that he entered Shoprite along Cairo road accompanied by approximately 100 youths whom he had gathered earlier purportedly to clean the town center. However, upon entering the shop, Mulenga failed to settle the bill for food intended for the group, prompting intervention from the authorities.

The suspect is currently detained at Lusaka Central Police Station and is expected to face charges related to the offense of Conduct Likely to Cause a Breach of the Peace.

Furthermore, it has been revealed that Mulenga is also facing another case at Chawama Police Station, where he is accused of committing the offense of Obtaining Money by False Pretenses. Following due process, Mulenga will be transferred to Chawama Police Station to address the charges against him.

In response to the incident, Rae Hamoonga, the Police Public Relations Officer, reiterated the Zambia Police Service’s commitment to maintaining law and order in communities. Hamoonga urged the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and report any suspicious activities. He assured that the legal process would be followed to ensure justice is served.

Lusaka Court Orders Emmanuel Mwamba to Surrender Passport

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Lusaka Court Orders Emmanuel Mwamba to Surrender Passport

Emmanuel Mwamba, the Patriotic Front (PF) faction Chairperson for Information and Publicity, has been directed by the Lusaka Magistrate Court to surrender his passport. The decision came after Lusaka Resident Magistrate Trevour Kasanda revoked the bench warrant issued against Mwamba for failing to attend court proceedings while abroad.

Magistrate Kasanda justified the order by stating that relinquishing his passport would allow the court to oversee Mwamba’s international travel plans while the trial progresses. The directive was issued in the ongoing case where Mwamba faces charges of assaulting a police officer.

The alleged incident occurred on June 16, 2023, in Lusaka’s Woodlands Area, leading to Mwamba’s subsequent arrest on June 17, 2023, on charges of forgery, as per Zambian laws. Additionally, Mwamba faces three counts of publication of information, which contravene Section 54 of the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act.

Energy Minister Peter Kapala Guarantees No Load Shedding

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Energy Minister Peter Kapala Guarantees No Load Shedding

Amid concerns over potential power shortages, Zambia’s Energy Minister, Peter Kapala, has moved to allay fears by assuring the nation that there will be no need for load shedding in the foreseeable future. Kapala attributed this assurance to the implementation of robust mitigation measures aimed at addressing the anticipated power crisis.

Speaking to ZNBC News in an interview, Mr. Kapala emphasized the proactive steps taken by the government to tackle the issue head-on. He revealed that Zambia has adopted a strategy of importing power from Mozambique during off-peak hours to compensate for the reduced power generation capacity at the Kariba North Bank Power Station.

“The country is currently importing 200 megawatts of power from Mozambique,” stated Mr. Kapala, highlighting the collaborative efforts being undertaken to ensure uninterrupted power supply to Zambian households and industries.

Despite the challenges posed by the decrease in power generation capacity at the Kariba North Bank Power Station, Kapala assured citizens that the government remains vigilant in monitoring the situation closely. He reiterated that any decision regarding the implementation of load shedding would be communicated transparently to the public.

The statement by Energy Minister Peter Kapala provides a measure of reassurance to Zambians, offering hope for stable and reliable electricity supply in the face of prevailing challenges.

NGO Praises Government For Progress in Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights

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NGO Praises Government For Progress in Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights

An NGO called Medicines Research and Access Platform (MEDRAP) says it is pleased with the progress made by the Government in ensuring availability and access to Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (ASRHR) in Luapula and Southern provinces.

According to the Zambia Demographic and Health Survey, adolescent pregnancy and child marriage has significantly been high in the two regions with Southern province recording teenage pregnancy rates as high as 42.5% while Luapula posted 21%.

MEDRAP Executive Director Liyoka Liyoka said a recent study conducted by MEDRAP in conjunction with the Health Action International (HAI) has revealed that the Ministry of Health (MoH), has scaled up availability and access to ASRHR in the two provinces.

Sharing the report during a training workshop on SRHR in Samfya District of Luapula Province this week, Mr. Liyoka said the study revealed that 91% of the surveyed facilities provided AFSRH services without permission from guardians.

“For example, 91% of the surveyed facilities provide AFSRH services. These services were offered without permission from guardians in 97% of the surveyed facilities. This study also found that 96% of the facilities were easily and safely accessible by foot or public transport (according to the HCWs), while 97% of the healthcare workers also indicated that they were comfortable with providing contraceptives to both married and unmarried women, and discussing sexual health matters with adolescents. Availability of dedicated staff offering AFSRH services was recorded in 83% of the surveyed facilities,” Mr Liyoka said.

According to MEDRAP Communications Officer Tinkerbel Mwila, the report has recommended that the Government conducts regular visits, increase transparency and ensure active participation of stakeholders in decision making processes related to the delivery and monitoring of SRH services.

Is President Hichilema.Suffering from a PhD Syndrome?

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Is President Hichilema.Suffering from a PhD Syndrome?

If one lived in the world of conspiracy theories, a PhD syndrome would explain HH’s failure to resolve our economic crisis. I mean “Pull him Down”–PhD! And who wouldn’t believe it? How can a genius and self proclaimed economist watch the free fall of the Kwacha unless Lungu and his PF disciples are behind it? Like Donald Trump, only him knew the secrets of making Zambia another paradise! He boasted that Westerners were busy asking him to explain his secret formula. So how can a genius fail? This is a conspiracy; his foes want to “Pull him Down” to win the 2026 elections!

How I wish this was the situation, but the reality is, HH was nothing but a conman without an iota of decency. His lies are laughed at by rats, cats and dogs–for who can throw away food in HH’s Zambia?

HH marketed himself as an economist–something I laughed at. Being rich and being an economist are two different things. But HH thought otherwise. His wealth qualified him to control the economy. Yet his riches were simply harvested from government assets. He cheated a self-proclaimed economist, President, F.T.J Chiluba into believing that getting rid of Zambia’s assets was a solution to poverty. HH’s lies earned him farms and Hotels–harvesting where he didn’t sow!.

HH thought he was a magician who would cheat the world with a magic wand! Fuel will be at less than K5, ubunga at K50, fertilizer at K100. As for the dollar, it will be less than 10 to the Kwacha. Corruption will be history; the incorruptible HH will swallow it–celebrating Biden’s insult to Zambia at the UN. But nothing has happened; the Kwacha is almost 30 to a dollar, ubunga I can’t even say it, fuel we all know, as for corruption, we are still corrupt.

I was among the first to point out President HH’s incompetence. When my colleagues were busy asking us to give HH time, I told the nation otherwise. HH didn’t possess any decency–he operated with the “only I can fix it” mentality. Today, this mentality has cost him badly. Who would shout “Bally will fix it” and survive the vicious teeth of starved dogs on our streets? Even HH and the first lady can’t shout that slogan in the privacy of their bedroom. Rats and dogs know that Bally doesn’t know how to fix it! They are busy waiting for 2026.

HH has the democratic right to spill countless lies from his mouth. But no lie will convince a hungry person that they have just eaten! Unlike Mr. Hichilema, Mr. Hunger does not live in Community House but on the streets and in the ghetto. Workers too can hardly make ends meet–their dogs are protesting.

Is it not time HH put his tail between his legs and tell the truth for once? Let’s get it right–HH is clueless when it comes to stabilizing the Kwacha, creating jobs, addressing increasing poverty and of course, providing food security.

What we have before us is exactly what it is–we are at the cliff of economic disaster. Like some of us, the driver doesn’t have glasses to negotiate the dangerous landscape. Only fools would expect a good landing–so is our nation.
Did I say PhD? I meant Pride has Dementia.

My people say, “ubufi bulaya no kubwela.”
By Kapya Kaoma

Mwape Names Shepolopolo Squad For Ghana Olympic Showdown

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Shepolopolo Zambia Coach Bruce Mwape has announced his Women’s provisional squad ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics Qualifiers against Ghana.

The first leg match against the Black Queens of Ghana will be played in Kumasi on Friday 23 February and the reverse fixture at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola five days later.

In the squad, Mwape has retained most of the players who completed the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualification task against Angola.

Green Buffaloes striker and runner Kabange Mupopo has returned to the Shepolopolo squad for the first time in eight years.

GOALKEEPERS: Catherine Musonda (Hapoel Raanana Women FC-Israel), Leticia Lungu (ZESCO Ndola Girls), Ngambo Musole (Green Buffaloes), Loveness Tonge (Green Eagles)

DEFENDERS:Natasha Kapombo (INDENI Roses), Tabo Miselo (National Assembly), Martha Tembo (BIIK Kazygurt Shymkent-Kazakhstan), Lushomo Mweemba, Martha Katila Banda, Esther Banda, Esther Siamfuko (all Green Buffaloes), Pauline Zulu (Elite Ladies), Judith Soko (YASA)

MIDFIELDERS:Misozi Zulu, Hellen Chanda (both Hakkarigucu Spur-Turkey), Ireen Lungu (BIIK Kazygurt Shymkent-Kazakhstan), Comfort Selemani (Elite Ladies), Evarine Susan Katongo (Green Buffaloes), Salome Phiri (Green Buffaloes), Marjory Mulenga, Avell Chitundu (both ZESCO Ndola Girls)

STRIKERS: Rachael Kundananji (Madrid CFF-Spain), Barbra Banda (Shanghai Shengli-China), Rachael Nachula (Hapoel Jerusalem-Israel), Fridah Kabwe (ZESCO Ndola Girls), Namasiku Lungowe (ZISD Women), Kabange Mupopo (Green Buffaloes), Eneless Phiri (Nkwazi Queens), Norin Betani (INDENI Roses), Florence Banda (National Assembly)

U.S. Government Aims to Boost Zambian Economy through Lobito Corridor Investments

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U.S. Government Aims to Boost Zambian Economy through Lobito Corridor Investments

In a bid to bolster the Zambian economy, the United States Government has expressed its commitment to supporting investments in the Lobito Corridor. Amos Hochstein, Senior Advisor to U.S. President Joe Biden on Energy and Investment, highlighted the potential of the corridor to foster regional integration and interdependency.

In a special interview with ZNBC’s Franklin Tembo Junior, Mr. Hochstein emphasized the interest of numerous American companies in investing in Zambia along the corridor. He underscored the significance of the Lobito Corridor construction in facilitating trade and economic growth in the region.

Zambia is set to host the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, Lobito Corridor private sector investment forum on Thursday, February 8, 2024. The forum, to be held in Lusaka, has garnered participation from the private sector and cooperating partners such as the USA.

Both the United States and the European Union are lending support to the Lobito Corridor project, which aims to promote trade and connectivity among Zambia, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The project represents a crucial step towards enhancing regional economic cooperation and fostering sustainable development in the participating countries.

Zambia Airports Corporation Achieves Record High Passenger Numbers in 2023

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Zambia Airports Corporation Achieves Record High Passenger Numbers in 2023

The Zambia Airports Corporation has recorded the highest number of passengers served since its inception in 1989.

The Corporation recorded over 2 million passengers served in 2023, largely driven by trade and tourism at all airports.

Speaking during a media breakfast, Zambia Airports Corporation Acting Managing Director Gillian Mazimba said the growth represents an increase of 24 percent.

Ms. Mazimba stated that the corporation will continue to collaborate with key stakeholders to make Zambia an attractive and affordable destination, with a focus on seamless air travel.

She emphasized that this effort will help attract more business and tourism, including hosting international meetings and conferences.

Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board Increases Student Allowances

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Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board Increases Student Allowances

The Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board (HELSB) has announced an increase in meal allowances for students on bursaries, from K22.50 K25. Additionally, the Board has resolved to implement a uniform accommodation fee for all students across universities.

According to Chiselwa Kawanda, Senior Corporate Communications Officer at HELSB, the new accommodation fee will be based on the charges applicable to each university, streamlining the accommodation cost structure. This move aims to ensure fairness and consistency in accommodation fees for all students.

Furthermore, Ms. Kawanda stated that the registration fee of students will now be determined based on their financial need. This decision reflects the Board’s commitment to supporting students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.

These decisions, as outlined by Ms. Kawanda in a recent statement, are aimed at enhancing the welfare and support for students under the student loans scheme. The adjustments in meal allowances and accommodation fees signify HELSB’s dedication to ensuring that students receive adequate support for their nutritional and educational needs during their academic pursuits.

The increased allowances and streamlined fee structures are expected to alleviate financial burdens on students and contribute to a conducive learning environment. HELSB remains committed to promoting access to higher education and supporting students in their academic endeavors.

Mahtani to Challenge English High Court’s Ruling on Atlas Mara’s Purchase of Finance Bank Zambia

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Mahtani to Challenge English High Court’s Ruling on Atlas Mara’s Purchase of Finance Bank Zambia

Atlas Mara Banking group, established by former Barclays boss Bob Diamond, is facing a fresh legal challenge over the disputed purchase of Finance Bank Zambia (FBZ). Dr. Rajan Mahtani, founder of FBZ, is set to appeal against a recent ruling by the English High Court that favored Atlas Mara Limited (ATMA) in resisting a multi-million-dollar compensation suit brought by him and former shareholders of FBZ.

The English High Court judgment, which dismissed the compensation claim, may face scrutiny as Dr. Mahtani mobilizes a new legal team to appeal and/or seek a stay of execution on parts of the ruling. Additionally, Dr. Mahtani intends to explore other legal remedies to address what he alleges as Atlas Mara’s unjust enrichment to the tune of at least US$49.2 million, plus interest.

The contractual dispute stems from Atlas Mara’s acquisition of FBZ in 2015, during which negotiations took place in London, Dubai, and New York. Dr. Mahtani, who divested FBZ primarily for health reasons, entered into negotiations with Atlas Mara, believing the group would preserve the bank’s ethos and culture. However, discrepancies arose regarding earn-out clauses tied to the acquisition, with Atlas Mara disputing the likelihood of Dr. Mahtani raising the necessary funds.

The recent English High Court ruling found that Atlas Mara had no real expectation that Dr. Mahtani would be able to raise the requisite funds, contrary to assurances made during negotiations. This finding has prompted Dr. Mahtani to seek recourse for what he perceives as an unjust enrichment on the part of Atlas Mara, as well as compensation for losses incurred by FBZ shareholders.

Founded in 1987 by Dr. Mahtani, FBZ was Zambia’s first indigenous retail bank, boasting a network of 73 branches and over 1,000 employees. Despite its promising trajectory, FBZ’s shareholders now face the prospect of seeking legal redress for alleged breaches of the share sale and purchase agreement.

Rajan Mahtani loses Atlas Mara London case

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Rajan Mahtani loses Atlas Mara London case

Zambian businessman on Wednesday lost a London lawsuit against Atlas Mara, the African investment vehicle set up by former Barclays boss Bob Diamond, over the acquisition of a Zambian bank.

Rajan Mahtani sued Atlas Mara over the sale of Finance Bank Zambia, alleging he received less than a quarter of the $215 million said to have been offered in 2015.

But Judge Christopher Butcher dismissed Mahtani’s case in a written ruling on Wednesday, following a trial at London’s High Court last year.
Mahtani, who founded Finance Bank Zambia in 1986, had accused Atlas Mara of breaching the terms of the takeover deal.

Atlas Mara’s lawyers, however, argued in court filings that the sums Mahtani was seeking had not been guaranteed to him but were dependent on conditions agreed by the parties.
A spokesperson for Mahtani said he would be seeking permission to appeal against the ruling.
Atlas Mara did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Diamond, one of the world’s best-known bankers after building Barclays’ investment bank over a decade and rising to become chief executive, was not a party to the case.

Reuters

Opposition has lost it,they don’t have the capacity

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Opposition has lost it,they don’t have the capacity

The newly found bedroom of allegiance by opposition political parties to form a coalition with the former head of state Mr. Edgar Lungu has to me proven that these guys have no capacity to be leaders but followers. They cannot stand on their own.

How honestly can they follow blindly to be guided by someone who was not too long ago a rejected leader while in state house because of his machinations that is listless!

This now show the level of our politics that it is politics of the belly and not service to the people of Zambia. You can not surely front someone who Zambians without rigging and with all the state machinery was reject widely through the ballot because of his leadership and now you as old as you are want to be used to convince Zambians that he is the messiah! God forbid!

So what has become of your individual political parties? Just clubs to make noise and get kick backs or what? Let all well meaning Zambians be vigilante of this scheme being orchestrated by the former head of state who by now should have been a statesman.

This scheme stinks of a lot of things. For example, what is it that ECL want to do that he did not manage to do in 7 years and that only him is capable of doing it to make him want to come back and so viciously? Is it because there are assets/properties he wants to secure that he did not secure then? Or is it because there are some monies somewhere that he and his lieutenants want to lay their hands on?

In the backdrop of this scheme that Edgar Lungu has openly now voiced out that he has come back into politics and even organizing political meetings, what does the law say in regard to his immunity so that he can be met squarely by all political players.

Finally, I appeal to the New Dawn government through the leadership of our able Republican President Dr. Hakainde Hichilema
not to lose focus but continue delivering to the people of this great nation but with caution to make sure that this new found coalition is monitored to make sure they stand and mean well for the country.

Wisdom Muyunda
MEDIA DIRECTOR
COPPERBELT PROVINCE UPND / MDC ALLIANCE

Chipolopolo Plot for March Friendly

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The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has announced that Chipolopolo will next month play an international friendly match to prepare for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

FAZ President Andrew Kamanga said Football House will utilise the FIFA window with at least a friendly match.

Kamanga said the national team technical bench is working in the background to draft a program for the Chipolopolo.

In his weekly column, Kamanga said Zambia is determined to build on the experience from the Africa Cup in Cote D’Ivoire.

Zambia is currently debating the early exit from the Africa Cup.

Inequities in Volunteer Recognition: A Plea from the Unemployed Doctors of Zambia

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Inequities in Volunteer Recognition: A Plea from the Unemployed Doctors of Zambia

In a heartfelt expression of gratitude, I wish to extend our thanks to President Hakainde Hichilema for recognizing our collective efforts in combating the challenges faced by our country. The recognition bestowed upon us for our tireless efforts to aid the people of Zambia in the face of a profound struggle has been both humbling and appreciated.

President Hakainde Hichilema, I extend my sincere thanks for the opportunity given to us. The recognition of our determination to save lives and help our people is truly appreciated. However, with this acknowledgment comes a sense of responsibility to shed light on the overlooked contributions of our colleagues.
While I am grateful for the employment extended to us by the Ministry of Health, I find myself grappling with unanswered questions about the exclusion of many volunteers, particularly those stationed at Level One CTCs, Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital and The University Teaching Hospital. These dedicated individuals have been managing cholera long before the establishment of Levy CTC and Heroes Stadium CTC, and their omission raises concerns about the fairness of recognition.

The disparity in recognition raises questions about the perceived value of efforts in different cholera management centers. These Hospitals have long been managing cholera, even predating the establishment of Levy and Heroes Stadium CTCs. We have to raise the crucial question: why is the contribution of other volunteers seemingly deemed less significant? Could it be that the public display at the Heroes CTCs attracts more attention? Is the primary goal to garner public interest? Is this why our colleagues are being excluded?

I write to shed light on the pivotal role volunteers play in various hospitals, emphasizing that they are the frontline workers dealing with critical patients daily. Many of these volunteers operate in understaffed stations, unable to leave their posts to assist at cholera centers due to the potential dire consequences for patients left behind. Additionally, hospital administrators may see volunteers leaving as desertion, putting them at risk of punishment. The volunteers highlight the immense pressure faced by those managing everyday healthcare needs, including treating pregnant women, sick children, road traffic accident victims and patients with Covid-19, Heart Attacks, Cancer and Strokes.
President Hakainde Hichilema, your recognition is sincerely appreciated, and I believe you may not be fully aware of the prevailing situation faced by many volunteers on the frontlines. The intention is not to undermine your efforts but rather to initiate a conversation about the realities faced by every unemployed volunteer doctor in the country. We aim to prompt a reflection on whether some volunteers are deemed more important than others, emphasizing the significance of saving lives across a spectrum of medical conditions.

This is not a political statement but a respectful plea for acknowledgment and fair recognition of the dedication exhibited by all volunteers. It emphasizes the need for a broader conversation about the challenges faced by Unemployed Volunteer Doctors across Zambia.

Their contributions are invaluable. We are hopeful that President Hakainde Hichilema will lend his ear to the concerns of those who feel unheard and unseen on the frontlines of healthcare. Let this be a call to recognize and appreciate the efforts of all volunteers across the spectrum of healthcare challenges faced by our beloved Zambia.

A representative of the Unemployed Medical Doctors of Zambia

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