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MOTHERS waiting to have their under five children weighed at Kaoma District Hospital
The Public Service Commission has expressed its disappointment at the poor work culture exhibited at Kaoma District Hospital in Western province.Deputy Commission chairperson Hillary Chipango has for this reason called for immediate disciplinary action against erring health personnel at the institution.
ZANIS reports that Commissioner Chipango accompanied by his counterpart from Teaching Service Commission chairperson Stanley Mhango discovered this during an impromptu visit to the health institution.Speaking in an interview after the tour, Mr. Chipango noted that in addition the Health facility was understaffed as opposed to records from the ministry of health.
When the Deputy Commission chairperson and his team arrived at the Hospital, he was shocked to find queues of patients attended to by one health official as other members of staff had not reported for duty.
Mr Chipango warned that his Commissions would take stern action against erring officers that would be found wanting as bad attitudes towards work in the civil service put the name of the President in ridicule.He further stated that the Commission would not hesitate but dismiss undisciplined officers.
The Deputy Commission chairperson and his team is in Kaoma District to meet civil servants and to listen to matters arising in the District.
Mr Hichilema and Mr Bwalya and Prof. Gambari addressing after the end of the meetingThe Constitutional Court has received a letter from a citizen who has demanded that UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema be cited for contempt of court.
Mr. HENRY Chilombo recently asked the court to cite Mr. Hichilema for contempt of court for allegedly calling some constitutional Court judges corrupt.
In his letter addressed to the Constitutional Court President HILDA Chibomba, Mr. Chilombo said Mr. Hichilema should be given an opportunity in court to substantiate his claims.
He stated that if nothing is done, the alleged statement which was attributed to Mr. Hichilemawill make people lose confidence in the Constitutional Court.
The Constitutional Court President Justice Chibomba has acknowledged receipt of the letter from Mr. Chilombo.
This is according to a letter dated 3rd September 2018 under the Head “Scandalising of Constitutional court Judges” by Mr. Hakainde Hichilema.
Last month Acting Chief Justice Marvin Mwanamwambwa observed that the accusation on three Constitutional Court Judges by Mr. Hichilema did not need an inquiry because evidence is already there.
Justice Mwanamwambwa said the evidence is documented in form of a report of utterances by the named culprit.
Last year, Mr. Hichilema at a media briefing at his residence in New Kasama accused Constitutional Court Justices Mungeni Mulenga, Palan Mulonda and Annie Sitali of being corrupt and later accused them whilst in South Africa of being under the control of the President for dismissing his presidential election petition.
Cassava farmers in Mansa’s Fimpulu area tour a 6 – hectare cassava field during a Cassava Mechanisation and Agro-Processing Project (CAMAP)
Cassava Farmers in Mansa district are delighted with the Cassava market which Zambia breweries is providing in the district.
Margret Nsama, a Cassava farmer, said previously farmers used to have challenges in selling their cassava as there was no ready market for cassava.
Mrs. Nsama explained that farmers used to take their cassava to Kasumbalesa and other parts of the country for sale which was not profitable enough as they used to spend a lot of money on transport.
In an interview with ZANIS in Mansa, she observed that with the market readily available within the Province, farmers are now making profit from the sale of cassava with minimal cost on transport.
Mrs. Nsama disclosed that even the process of selling the cassava is now faster than it used to be before.
She noted that farmers are now only required to peel their cassava and dry it before taking it for sale but previously they were required to soak it in water.
And another farmer Paul Mulabi, said the cassava market which Zambia Breweries is providing has brought economic empowerment among farmers.
Mr. Mulabi explained that in the past it was very difficult for cassava farmers to sell their farm produce which resulted in most of the famers using cassava only for home consumption.
He disclosed that farmers are now making profit from the sale of cassava.
Mr. Mulabi further, stated that the situation has enabled them to afford to pay for their children in schools.
He has since appealed to Zambia Breweries to continue providing cassava market in the Province.
Communication and Transport Minister Brian Mushimba announcing the cabinet approval of a new national airline during a “Team building” cocktail at Lusaka Intercontinental Hotel on Monday, 18 December 2017. Picture By Jean Mandela
Minister of Transport and Communication Brian Mushimba has reaffirmed government’s commitment to support the digital migration and village television concepts.
ZANIS reports that Mr. Mushimba said this when he conducted a tour of Star Times Television Studios in Beijing.
He said this will enhance information distribution especially in under serviced parts of the country.
Mr. Mushimba said Zambia has already started enjoying a strong television signal which has resulted into good picture and sound quality due to the implementation of digital migration programme.
He stated that digital migration, which is being implemented with technical and financial support from Star Times, is a priority for the government saying it will ensure the successful completion of the project.
The minister also noted that the village television concept expected to benefit 500 villages, schools and health facilities in rural and remote areas across the country will keep people abreast with happenings in the world.
And Star Times Group chairman Pang Xingxing pledged his company’s commitment to provide the needed support and improved quality and sound television broadcast as Zambia rolls out solar television in underserviced areas.
Mr. Pang said Star Times will continue to offer all genres of content to cater for the needs of all age groups and social class.
Meanwhile, Mr. Mushimba expressed confidence that the digital migration process will be a success as the implementing partner is a renowned broadcast and television content provider with massive experience.
He stated that Star Times will provide technical support for sustainability of the digital migration project.
And Minister of Presidential Affairs Freedom Sikazwe said the digital migration process is in line with government’s aspirations of ensuring that no one is left behind in terms of development.
Mr. Sikazwe said in an interview that the completion of the digital migration project will enable government inform the people about the various developments taking place in the country.
Mr. Sikazwe further said the people will have a platform on which they can make known their developmental aspirations.
Mr. Mushimba was accompanied by Ministers of Mines Richard Musukwa, Presidential Affairs Freedom Sikazwe, Housing and infrastructure Ronald Chitotela, Commerce Christopher Yaluma and Muchinga Province Malozo Sichone and several other government officials.
Police in North Western Province on Tuesday cancelled a UPND rally in Kasempa district after opposition cadres forced their way into Chief Kasempa’s palace grounds and beat up people there.
Zambia Police Service Spokesperson Esther Katongo says the UPND campaign team which assembled at Nkenyauna for a campaign rally went to the Chief’s palace to pay a courtesy call.
They however got upset when they discovered that Kasempa District Commissioner Goodson Sansakuwa was meeting the traditional leader.
Ms Katongo says the UPND cadres used force to enter the palace grounds and beat up whoever they suspected of belonging to the PF.
She says Police will not give the UPND a permit to hold a rally for the Kasempa local government by election set for Thursday because the party has violated the conditions under which the permit was granted.
Ms Katongo says police are looking for the perpetrators of the acts of violence and medical reports have been issued to the injured people.
And Ms Katongo says police in Western Province have arrested UPND District Chairperson Nyambe Matakala and two other UPND officials and charged them with two counts each of assault and malicious damage to property.
She has told ZNBC News this evening that Mr. Nyambe in the company of John Chinga and Aaron Muyambango attacked a PF meeting that was campaigning for the Limulunga local government by election on Saturday and assaulted people and damaged property.
The trio is remanded in custody and is expected to appear in court soon.
The Bank of Zambia has announced the abolishment of unwarranted bank charges effective yesterday, September 4th 2018.
Some of the charges that will no longer be applicable include withdraw fees, balance inquiries and account maintenance fees.
According to a Government Gazette number 6693, the Bank of Zambia Prohibition Against Unwarranted Bank Charges and Fees of 2018 has now been promulgated into law.
This is according to a Circular issued by Bank of Zambia Deputy Governor-Operations Dr Bwalya Ngandu.
And Economics Association of Zambia President Lubinda Haabazoka has commended the Central Bank for the move.
“Colleagues the chapter has finally been closed. Effect today 4th September 2018 the unwarranted charges and fees by banks are illegal. The BoZ has directed all banks to stop such charges and fees. The Directive is in the Government Gazette number 6693!! Enjoy free withdrawals, balance inquiries, free kwacha accounts among other things!!! God bless the BoZ,” he said.
Mr Haabazoka said the excuses banks were using to resist the unwarranted charges were laughable.
“This is not a battle we should loose. We want to enhance financial inclusion, reduce lending rates by encouraging people to deposit with banks on longer terms but what we get from Bankers Association is worrying. Job losses? I thought banks should lend money for a profit and not charge people over nothing,” he said.
“If Banks insist, then government should allow companies to pay salaries by cash. We shall see which money banks will hold. Banks apart from demanding that an employer guarantees repayment of our loans still insist that we insure our loans. With all these repayment assurances, they still demand high lending rates and deny people loans so that they can just charge us for keeping our money,” he observed.
He charged that banks are barely renting people’s money.
“It is us they should pay and not the other way round!!! Say no to unwarranted charges,” he stated.
But the Bankers Association of Zambia’s has warned that the decision to abolish bank charges will only cripple the financial services industry and may result in job losses for some workers in the sector.
Association Chief Executive Officer Leonard Mwanza said that there was a justification as to why commercial banks slapped such charges on clients.
He also warned that members of staff face getting sacked as a result of commercial banks who may choose to downsize.
Six people are nursing serious injuries at Michael Chilufya Sata Hospital after their vehicle was involved in an accident along Mpika-Kasama road.
The accident happened after the driver of a Mitsubishi Pajero failed to give way to an ambulance which was rushing a patient to Micheal Chilufya Sata Hospital.
Zanis reports that Muchinga Province Police Commissioner, Chola Katanga has confirmed the accident which happened in Chitulika area.
Mr. Katanga said the Ambulance hit onto the rear part of the Pajero which was turning right.
He said the accident involved Micheal Sikalangwe 42, of Location Compound who was driving the ambulance and Lydia Muma, 35 also of Location Compound who was driving a Mitsubishi Pajero.
Mr. Katanga said the driver of the ambulance escaped unhurt while his passengers sustained body injuries and are admitted in hospital.
He identified the accident victims as Roseria Mwaba 35, Geoffrey Kaluba 44, Priscovia Mulenga 16, Memory Lesho 39 and Anneta Mwaba 59 all of Mpika.
The Police Commissioner said that the Mini Pajero had no passengers on board but was carrying several empty 10 liters cooking oil containers in the back seat.
Mr. Katanga added that the driver of the Mitsubishi Pajero also sustained body injuries and is also admitted to the same hospital.
He said the Toyota Land cruiser ambulance has incurred a damaged front part while the Mitsubishi Pajero Mini has an extensively damaged rear part
Vice President Inonge Wina (l) greets Luapula Province Permanent Secretary Dr. Buleti Nsemukila (r) as Luapula Province Minister Nickson Chilangwa (M) looks on at Mansa AirportVice President, Inonge Wina says government will ensure that people in the rural areas have access to Television satellites.
Mrs Wina said this will be undertaken under the Village Television programme which government has embarked on with support from Topstar.
Speaking upon arrival at Mongu Airport on a three day working visit in Western Province, the Vice President said the programme targets areas which do not access to electricity.
Mrs. Wina stated that she also launch three village Television satellites during her visit to the province.
And Provincial Patriotic Front (PF) Chairman, Charles Mututwa commended government on plans to continue with works on the different road projects which stalled especially the Katunda-Lukulu road.
Mr. Mututwa said the projects will create employment opportunities for the local people and boost trade in the area.
Meanwhile, Mr. Mututwa assured that Patriotic Front (PF) will win the two by-elections for Shikombwe and Mabili wards scheduled to take place on September 6, 2018.
The Vice President was welcomed by Minister of Justice Given Lubinda, Western Province Permanent Secretary, Sibanze Simuchoba, Sioma Member of Parliament Mbololwa Subulwa and Heads of government departments.
Meanwile, Acting President Inonge Wina says she expects the Zambia National Soccer Team to beat Namibia in the forthcoming football match.
Ms. Wina urged the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) to raise the game and uphold international standards if Zambia is to remain competitive in the world of soccer.
She said football is a source of unity in Zambia and urged the Chipolopolo Boys to work hard so as to meet the expectations of the
soccer fans.
The Acting Head of State said this in Lusaka when FAZ President Andrew Kamanga called on her at her office.
“I expect nothing less than a win in the Saturday CHAN engagement against Namibia,” Mrs. Wina said.
And FAZ President Andrew Kamanga disclosed that the association is decentralizing its activities to all parts of the country especially
in learning institutions dotted around Zambia through the Ministry of Education.
Kamanga adds that a programme has been planned for those not in schools through their respective Members of Parliament in order to cater for everyone.
The FAZ President who also highlighted the challenges the association is faced with was accompanied by the Acting Secretary General, Adrian Kashala and FAZ Associate Member, Chomba Kaoma.
This is according to a press statement issued to ZANIS in Lusaka today by Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Vice President, Stephen Mwansa.
The Chipolopolo Boys are currently camped in South Africa in readiness for the clash on September 8th against the ‘Brave Warriors’ for the 2019 African Cup of Nations (CHAN) qualifiers.
The Zambia Youths Association in the Fight against Corruption has appealed to the public to desist from antagonizing government on its decisions on debt refinancing and austerity measures aimed at managing the country’s economy.
Association Executive Director, Maurice Malambo said his organisation acknowledges that the citizenry has the moral right and duty to make audit of national governance but noted that it is important to do so in a non-malicious manner.
In a statement released to ZANIS in Lusaka today, Mr. Malambo stressed that those who criticize government on the debts and austerity measure should also help provide alternatives.
He said the association has taken note of the negative and positive positions made by different stakeholders regards some important decisions made by government in the management of the economy such as the intended refinancing of the Euro Bond, some austerity measures and the debt levels in the country.
He stated that there has been flowery of negative sentiments defying well founded and articulated position of government on the debt refinancing and austerity measures through the Office of the Vice President, the Minister of Finance and the Chief Government Spokesperson.
He said the negative sentiments around important economic matters which he noted are largely speculative have the potency to inflict injury on the economy arising from a reduction in the flow of investment.
“For instance, the 2009 global economic recession was not fundamentally driven by the speculated global credit crunch, instead, it was largely caused by speculative negative sentiments regards the possibility of a credit crunch that made small scale business owners, conglomerates and the consumers of goods and services to withhold investments and expenditure respectively. This resulted into a significant reduction in investment and a sharp slump in liquidity circulation in the global economy due to reduced economic activity in Commerce, Trade and Industry,” the statement read in part.
Mr. Malambo added that, Zambians should understand that there is currently no debt crisis or distress noting that the austerity measures are a temporal undertaking in economic language referred to as moratorium (freeze) on specific areas of expenditure or on the increase in expenditure in order to generate some savings and direct the same to areas that are in acute need or are of urgent necessity at the time.
Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) has lifted the power restriction which was imposed on Konkola Copper Mines over payments.
The move comes following a fruitful discussion with the mining company.
KCM Manager Public Relations and Communications Shapi Shachinda says power has been restored to the Nchanga smelter and concentrators which have now returned to normal operations and ramping up production.
Mr. Shachinda says the company is fully focusing on achieving its production target of more than 400 tonnes per day in a safe manner despite the setbacks experienced in the past few days.
He told ZNBC News in a statement today that measures have been put in place to ensure the operation teams catch up with lost production.
Konkola Copper Mines -KCM- is one of the largest copper producers, with mining operations in Chingola, Chililabombwe, Kitwe and Nampundwe.
KCM is a subsidiary of Vedanta Resources plc in which ZCCM-IH holds a significant shareholding of 20.6 percent.
First Chairperson for the Zambia Centre for Interparty Dialogue-ZCID Dr Katele Kalumba
Former Finance Minister Katele Kalumba has urged government to heed to the caution against disclosing the terms for refinancing the US$ 750 million Eurobond.
The Economics Association of Zambia (EAZ) has warned that disclosing terms for refinancing Zambia’s first Eurobond will jeopardize its bargaining abilities in refinancing its other two Eurobonds.
And Dr. Kalumba who was Cabinet Minister under the Frederick Chiluba led MMD government says if government discloses the terms for refinancing the first Eurobond it will also expose its hand.
In an interview by telephone Dr. Kalumba states that government cannot therefore disclose such information to the public before negotiating with the lender.
Dr. Kalumba does not think the issue of transparency and accountability should ever arise before government secures any resources through debt contraction.
He says are already systems by which Zambians can know whether or not there is transparency in the use of public funds secured through debt.
Meanwhile economist Noel Nkhoma thinks that it should not be mandatory for government to disclose the terms for refinancing of any bond it issues.
Mr. Nkhoma who is also former EAZ president notes that he has not personally heard anywhere where it has been mandatory for a government to make such disclosures.
He has told QTV News in a separate interview that in his view what the people should only have is sufficient confidence in the government to do what is in the best interest of the Country.
Mighty Mufulira Wanderers are threatening to report fellow Division One side FQM Roads to FAZ over lack of security at their ground during Sunday’s Week 22 match played in Solwezi.
There were reports of violence at Solwezi Grounds as Wanderers were held to goalless draw by FQM Roads.
Some Wanderers supporters sustained injuries in the crowed trouble that ensured toward the end of the match.
Mighty Chief Executive Officer Iden Zulu said his team was also not happy with the unruly behaviour of FQM supporters.
“We have the intention to complain but we have not complained as yet. The matter will be tabled during our Tuesday meeting,” Zulu said.
“There was no security and as such our supporters were exposed to the unruly behaviour of FQM supporters,” he said.
Wanderers are currently leading FAZ Division One Zone Two with 51 points, five above second placed Indeni, after 22 matches played.
FAZ DIVISION ONE – WEEK 22
ZONE ONE
Zesco Malaiti Rangers 3-0 Lundazi United
Katete Rangers 0-0 Young Green Buffaloes
Police College 3-1 Wonderful
Lusaka Tigers 0-3 Circuit City
Petauke United 1-2 Happy Hearts
Chipata City Council 1-1 Riflemen
Lusaka City Council vs Paramilitary (Postponed)
Kafue Celtic 0-2 City of Lusaka
ZONE TWO
FQMO Roads 0-0 Mufulira Wanderers
Ndola United 1-1 Mufulira Blackpool
Indeni 1-0 Gomes
Roan United 1-1 FQMO Mining Operation
Kansanshi Dynamos 3-0 Mining Rangers (Walkover)
Trident 0-0 Kalulushi Modern Stars
Kashikishi Warriors 1-2 Chambishi
ZNS Lwamfumu1-1 Konkola Blades
ZONE THREE
Riverside United 0-1 Real Nakonde
Muchinga Blue Eagles 1-1 Mpulungu Harbour
Intersport Youth 3-0 Isoka Young Stars (Walkover)
Tazara Rangers 3-0 Kasama Young Fighters (Walkover)
Kasama United Youth Aca 0-0 Kateshi Coffee Bullets
Zambeef 3-0 Malalo Police (Walkover)
Prison Leopards 2-0 Chindwin Sentries
Mpande Youth Academy 2-1 Tazara Express
ZONE FOUR
Kalomo Jetters 1-0 Kascol Rangers
Manchester U. Z. Academy 3-0 Choma Football Stars
Sinazongwe United 0-0 Young Green Eagles
Zesco Shockers 1-0 Maamba Energy Stars
Livingstone Pirates 1-0 Yeta
Maramba Stars 0-0 Zesco Victoria Falls
Mumbwa Medics 3-0 Luena Buffaloes
Mazabuka United 2-1 Chikuni Coops
Mines Permanent Secretary Paul Chanda says media reports suggesting that Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) cobalt is exported without being taxed are false.
Mr Chanda said that Government is very much aware of the cobalt exports from KCM which is exported as an alloy rather than pure cobalt.
He said cobalt is exported as an alloy because of its low quantities and government does tax the commodity.
The Mines P.S has since encouraged Journalists to verify their sources of information before publishing.
“Journalists are encouraged to investigate before putting up screaming headlines,” Mr. Chanda said.
Some media reports have accused alleged KCM exporting cobalt worth about US$20 million per month to Tianjin Maolian Science and Technology Company Limited of China without Government’s knowledge.
KCM has also been accused of having exported cobalt worth US$1.5 billion to the parent company of Nkana Mining and Mineral Processing Limited.
And the National Democratic Congress has urged Government to immediately institute a committee of experts to conduct a financial audit at Konkola Copper Mines KCM.
NDC Secretary General Mwenya Musenge said the committee of financial experts be appointed from qualified officers drawn from the Financial Intellegence Center, the Central Bank, Ministry of Finance, Security Agencies and the Zambia Revenue Authority.
Mr Musenge said the said probe team must also include mining experts.
“As a party, we feel KCM is evading the payment of taxes and may be involved in other sophisticated financial crimes. As NDC, we are disturbed that the mining conglomerate has been exporting cobalt illegally to China without the full knowledge of Government,” Mr Musenge said.
“In March this year, we raised alarm that KCM was illegally exporting cobalt to China and Government brushed off our concerns. Revelations by Tianjin Maolian Science and Technology company limited that KCM has been exporting Cobalt to the firm has thus, exonerated the NDC. We are therefore not surprised that KCM has in the last few months exported Cobalt to China worth over 1. 5 billion united states dollars.”
Mr Musenge said there is need for an urgent explanation from the Zambia Revenue Authority ZRA on these illicit financial flows at KCM.
“As a party, we are aware that the ZRA constituted a Mineral Monitoring Team, which unit, tracks and monitors the activities of mining firms. The terms of reference of this team are very clear, as the unit was established to ensure transparency and accountability in the export of metals. Further, ZRA, has officers seconded to mining firms. Therefore, news that KCM has been exporting Cobalt to China, unnoticed is inconceivable and opens up room for speculation,” he said.
He added, “Could it be that some officers within the ZRA might be involved in this scam? Or could it be that some officials in Government are also beneficiaries of this dubious export of metals? As NDC, we demand for an express response from both the Minister of Finance and ZRA commissioner General. We demand that all those involved in this financial scandal at KCM be fired.”
Mr Musenge has since urged Government to ensure that KCM immediately pays all the taxes accrued from the illegal sale of Cobalt.
“And why is Government not ejecting KCM out of Zambia anyway? The truth of the matter is that KCM management can not be trusted. KCM has taken the Zambian people for granted and this firm can do anything with impunity without being reprimanded by Government. Like we said last week, Government should eject KCM from zambia. We cannot have a bunch of fraudsters stealing from our country in broad day light.”
Dr Kaseba with Joe Kaunda at the Zambia Mission in Paris
Zambia’s Ambassador to France Dr. Christine Kaseba-Sata and her family have arrived in Paris to commence her tour of duty.
Charge d’Affaires Mr. Joe Kaunda led the Zambian diplomats in receiving the Ambassador designate at Charles de Gaulle international Airport.
Dr. Kaseba-Sata takes over from former Ambassador Mr. Humphrey Chibanda who was recalled in January, 2018.
Dr. Kaseba-Sata was sworn in as ambassador extra-ordinary and plenipotentiary of the Republic of Zambia to the Republic of France on 16th April, 2018.
Dr. Kaseba-Sata, an Obstetrician, served as the First Lady of Zambia from 2011 until the death of her husband, Zambia’s fifth Republican President Mr. Michael Chilufya Sata on October 28, 2014.
Dr. Kaseba-Sata who has vast experience as a health practitioner for over 30 years, has also worked as a consultant, lecturer and was appointed a World Health Organisation Goodwill Ambassador from 2012 to 2014.
The Zambian Mission in France also covers Spain, Portugal, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania as countries of extra accreditation and the two U.N. bodies UNESCO and the UNWTO.
This is according to a statement issued by First Secretary for Press at the Zambian Embassy in France Yande Musonda.
The Ministry of Health has dispelled reports that Zambia has recorded a suspected case of Ebola.
Social media reports on Monday evening showed that a male patient believed to have travelled from the Congo via Luapula died of suspected Ebola.
But in a statement, the Ministry of Health says the reports of Ebola outbreak are false.
Minister of Health Dr Chitalu Chilufya said the patient currently admitted to Levy Mwanawasa Hospital was being treated for septicemia, a bacterial infection and not Ebola.
“The patient is a 41 year old male who is a resident of Serenje District who came to Lusaka for a church camp meeting on 27th August 2018. He was already of ill health on travel. He presented with fever, discoloration of the skin resulting from bleeding underneath the skin and red patching in the white of the eye among other symptoms was immediately admitted and quarantined to rule out EVD,” Dr Chilufya said.
Below is a full statement
MINISTRY OF HEALTH
Statement on Ebola Virus Disease Outbreak in DRC and Update on the Level of Preparedness in Zambia, Tuesday, 4 September 2018
Members of the press, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
There is no Ebola Virus Disease case in Zambia
Allow me to update you on the current situation on Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the level of preparedness in Zambia.
As you are aware, there is an EVD outbreak ongoing in DRC. According to the latest DRC Ministry of Health situation report issued on 3rd September 2018, a cumulative 122 (Confirmed 91 and Probable 31) with 82 deaths(Confirmed 51; Probable 31) indicating a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) 66.4% from North Kivu and Ituri Province have been recorded.
Eight (8) new cases are currently under admission with 3 pending laboratory confirmation.
According to their reports the outbreak is probably exacerbated by sporadic instances of high risk behavior including unsafe burial practices, reluctance towards contact tracing, vaccination and admissions to Ebola Treatment Centers (ETCs), poor Infection Control Practices in some health centers and delayed health seeking behavior by some patients.
The Global Health Community including the Africa CDC, WHO among others on the ground to support the DRC Ministry of Health (MoH) in containing and mitigating the outbreak in the areas already affected.
Yesterday, it was reported in some social media that a suspected EVD case was admitted to the Levy Mwanawasa Teaching Hospital (LMTH) and this has caused panic and anxiety amongst members of the public.
May I take this opportunity to inform the public that contrary to the news circulating in the social media there is no case of EVD in Zambia. Allow me to make a clarification and update you on the patient currently admitted to LMTH.
The patient is a 41 year old male who is a resident of Serenje District who came to Lusaka for a church camp meeting on 27th August 2018. He was already of ill health on travel. He presented with fever, discoloration of the skin resulting from bleeding underneath the skin and red patching in the white of the eye among other symptoms was immediately admitted and quarantined to rule out EVD.
On further investigation, our health workers made a tentative diagnosis of septicemia, a condition of blood infection with bacteria or other microorganisms.
Further to that our laboratory investigations conducted at the University Of Zambia School Of Veterinary Medicine has ruled out Ebola Virus Disease.
Members of the Press, I must indicate that we are pleased by the response from media and I would like to encourage the general public to maintain such high levels of suspicion. However, I urge you, our friends in the media to work with us in communicating verified information to members of the public.
The levels of alert in the community are encouraging as it is our aim through our Event Based Surveillance System to have a highly sensitized public that is able to detect and quickly notify the public health authorities on increased incidences of illness and deaths in the community.
Members of the press and general public at hand, this level of community response is encouraged and I urge you all to be alert and sensitized to any indications of this devastating disease with the potential to disable and breakdown the livelihoods of our people and hamper economic stability.
I further urge our people to ensure that any suspected cases access health services to protect and prevent any outbreak in our country as part of our responsibility to the global health community.
Members of the Press distinguished ladies and gentlemen, my Ministry remains on high alert and continue to improve the detection and response capacities in the country through training of responders and equipping health facilities with requirements to respond.
Meanwhile, let me assure you members of the press and the general public that my Ministry has put in place, under the coordination of our Disease Intelligence wing, the Zambia National Public Health Institute, various mitigating and preventive measures that I shared with you two weeks ago.
As I speak, 7 (Seven) member Rapid Response Teams per district in North-Western Province are being trained in Solwezi to be followed by training on the Copperbelt. Prior to this training, other district teams have been trained in Northern and Luapula provinces considering their proximity to the DRC.
A plan is in place to get all provinces in a preparedness mode through capacity building including training of responders. I must reiterate that this activity was planned for late September 2018 but has been brought forward in view of the new outbreak in DRC.
The Government of the Republic of Zambia as host country of the Africa CDC Southern Africa Regional Collaborating Center is also supporting through the ZNPHI, member states in the SADC region in ensuring enhanced preparedness and response incase of an EVD threat in their countries as well as give support to DRC in mitigating the current outbreak.
Members of the press may I remind you all that EBV is a highly contagious disease caused by infection with the Ebola virus. It commonly presents as fever, severe headache, muscle pain, weakness, fatigue, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, unexplained bleeding.
Symptoms may appear anywhere from 2 to 21 days after contact with the virus, and although a rare disease it is severe and often deadly.
Finally, I take this opportunity to assure the nation that all is under control considering that Government of the Republic of Zambia, under the able leadership of His Excellency the President, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu has taken all the necessary measures to ensure heightened prevention, preparedness and response activities against Ebola.
I thank you
Signed
Honourable Dr Chitalu Chilufya
Minister of Health
