Minister of health Sylvia Masebo says   Zambia is honoured to be the host of the 3rd Annual Conference on Public Health in Africa.

The annual International Conference on Public Health in Africa provides a unique African-led platform for leaders across the continent to reflect on lessons learned in health and science.

The conference creates a way forward for creating more resilient health systems, and serves as a catalyst to drive sustainable progress against longstanding and emerging health threats.

Ms Masebo noted that hosting of the conference is in the interest of the government as it positions Zambia   as a regional leader in public health security matters.

ZANIS reports that Ms Masebo was speaking when she inspected progress made in preparing for the Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA) that will be held in Lusaka Zambia at the Kenneth Kaunda International Conference Center from 27^th to 30^th November 2023.

The health Minister of Health said this is the reason President Hakahinde Hichilema has invited among other high-level delegates 14 Presidents from across the continent.

Ms Masebo said the conference is expected to host up to 3,500 international and over 1,500 local delegates.

She stressed that the event is an important conference as it boosts the country’s economic agenda and interests and aligns with the desire for Zambia to host as many regional and international conferences and meetings.

“This you may all agree, will, among other benefits, market the country’s tourism, boost its economy, and enable our citizens to build skills and increase knowledge through interactions,” she said.

“Zambia, and more specifically Lusaka, stands to enjoy an increased global profile, growth in local employment, immediate and short-term economic benefits, and increased long-term investment,” she added.

Last year, the conference was held in December 2022 in Kigali, Rwanda and 2,800 scientists, policymakers, and advocates from around the world gathered in person.

The conference spotlighted African science and innovation, and helped strengthen local, regional and global collaboration.

And CDC Africa Director General Jean Kaseya said Zambia has a lot to share to the world on public health as it handled the pandemic in a unique manner.

Dr Kaseya expressed happiness with the progress that Zambia has made so far in preparation for the event.

Northern Province Permanent Secretary, Bernard Mpundu has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protect children against various diseases, including Polio.

Mr. Mpundu said Polio is a devastating disease that has no cure, but can be prevented through vaccination.

He said this is why the government, through the Ministry of Health, has been conducting vaccination campaigns as a measure to protect children from the disease.

 Mr Mpundu said this in a speech read on his behalf by Assistant Secretary, Jordan Mwenya at the launch of the Polio Vaccination exercise in Kasama.

Mr Mpundu has commended the Department of Health in the province for being vigilant in the fight against Polio.

And Provincial Public Health Specialist, Paul Mayeya said the ministry is ready to conduct the vaccination campaign saying they have enough vaccines and health workers are already on the ground.

Dr. Mayeya has assured members of the public that the Polio vaccine is safe.

“Please welcome the health workers that are coming to your homes to vaccinate your children,” he said.

And a Chiba resident, Margaret Chansa,  has commended the Ministry of Health for embarking on the vaccination campaign which will help protect children from the disease.

Ms Chansa has since called on the Ministry of Health to continue sensitizing members of the public on the causes, effects and prevention of Polio.

The Polio round four vaccination campaign which runs from 26 to 29 October, 2023, is targeting children who are eight years of age and below.

A cholera outbreak has emerged in Lusaka, with health authorities confirming a total of 26 cases since the disease’s outbreak on October 15th. This outbreak has claimed the lives of two individuals within the same period.

Health Minister Sylvia Masebo made this revelation in a Ministerial Statement delivered in Parliament. The affected areas include Kanyama, Chawama, and Chipata Compounds, which have been particularly hard-hit by the outbreak.

In response to this public health crisis, Ms. Masebo reported that health officers have intensified surveillance and contact tracing efforts in the affected regions. These proactive measures are aimed at containing the spread of the disease and mitigating its impact on the community.

Additionally, Health Minister Masebo issued a plea to the public, emphasizing the importance of taking preventive measures to reduce the risk of cholera transmission. She urged individuals to boil their drinking water and adhere to stringent hygiene practices. These measures are vital in safeguarding the public’s health and preventing further cases of the disease.

The government is working diligently in collaboration with healthcare professionals to manage the outbreak and provide necessary medical assistance to those affected. Cholera is a highly contagious waterborne disease that can spread rapidly, making the prompt response of health authorities crucial in safeguarding public health.