Vice President, Mutale Nalumango has been honoured by Makanday, a Centre for Investigative Journalism and an independent, non-profit media for her steadfastness in championing investigative journalism and press freedom in Zambia.

Makanday Board Chairman, Ackson Kanduza presented the prestigious medal award to the Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, Collins Nzovu who received the award on behalf of the Vice President.

She heartily welcomed and commended Makanday for the award.

Mrs Nalumango says a vibrant media is the lifeblood of democracy to provide the citizens with accurate information and empower them to make informed decisions, particularly as the nation undergoes economic transformation and prepares to hold the 2026 general elections.

She says the government remains steadfast in safeguarding press freedom in ensuring that journalists work without intimidation, censorship and undue influence.

Mrs Nalumango reaffirmed government’s dedication to build a free and independent press and that it remains fully committed to promoting investigative journalism in Zambia.

She said the enactment of the Access to Information Law must be used by journalists carefully without scandalizing innocent individuals, corporate bodies as well as the State.

The Veep said this in Lusaka last evening during the 4th Makanday media awards.

This was in a speech ready for her by Water and Sanitation Minister Collins Nzovu.

Mrs Nalumango said the ATI Bill would ensure that investigative journalists have a credible basis for launching investigation cases.

“Journalists in the country will first access factual information and based on it, launch investigations into what appears suspicious.

This means they will not publish falsehoods or scandalise innocent people, public officials or public institutions, because the ATB is at their disposal,” she added.

She commended Makanday for its commitment to promote excellence in investigative journalism.

The Veep also presented medals to the three deserving recipients.

On awards, she acknowledged that they are outstanding and serve in nurturing culture, accountability, transparency, and truth-seeking values in line with the country’s democracy.

She reminded media personnel in the country that investigative journalism is not only about individual’s achievement but helps shape a transparent, accountable, and just Zambia.

Sandra Kunda from Catholic Media Network, a Catholic Radio Station scooped the first prize and won a laptop while Zambia Daily Mail’s Banda Mazombwe and Clara Chisenga of Radio Chengelo got the second and third prizes respectively.

The duo got 100 percent full sponsorship for a disclosed period of time from Makanday management.

And Makanday board Chairman Ackson Kundaza commended the government for enacting the Access to Information law.

Professor Kundaza challenged journalists to be dedicated to duty and service.

He said the freedom of expression is not just for Journalists alone but it should build consensus and benefit the people at large.

He called for ethics and professionalism among journalists and warned them to guard against ‘fake news’ that has the potential to cause division in the country and region.

Passing a vote of thanks, Makanday Managing Partner, John Mukela said Vice President Mutale Nalumango has continued to exhibit ‘true leadership rooted in faith, humility, and service that continues to motivate members of the public to use journalism as a force for truth and justice.

Mr Mukela further commended the partners and funders, the National Endowment for Democracy and BBC Media Action for their unwavering support.

“You’ve stood with us through our growth and challenges, and your belief in our mission strengthens our resolve to keep journalism alive, vibrant, and fearless,” he said.

He reminded the journalists in the country to be courageous, disciplined in pursuant to truth embodied in the spirit of hard work as they hold power to account and give voice to the voiceless.

Western Province Permanent Secretary, Simomo Akapelwa, has expressed worry over the escalating number of pupils living with the HIV virus in the province.

Mr Akapelwa says increased moral decay among some school going children such as abuse of psychotropic substances have contributed greatly to the increased number of new HIV infection rates coupled with mental health challenges in the province.

The Permanent Secretary said this through his Assistant Secretary, Dr Mubetelela Sililo, during the Provincial Adolescent Health Indaba held in Senanga District.

He said about 2, 255 school going children were tested HIV positive in 2012 in the province, and has since called on young people to desist from engaging themselves in sexual activities and social vices.

The media reports that Mr Akapelwa said it was saddening to note that 57% of pregnancies recorded mostly were among girls under the age of 14 and 24 years, adding that the new dawn administration has placed the health of adolescents on top of its agenda.

Speaking shortly after the official launch of the Indaba, Western Province Health Director, Samutumwa Njekwa, said open communication and comprehensive support systems for teenagers living with HIV is vital for helping students navigate their diagnosis in order to manage their health effectively.

Dr Njekwa said the Provincial Adolescent Indaba will help strengthen health service delivery and advance universal health coverage for young people in the province.

And, Western Province AIDS Coordinating Advisor, Yaliwe Nalishebo, observed that transmission of HIV from a mother living with HIV to her child during pregnancy, has remained high in the province.

She said Sesheke and Mongu Districts have continued recording a huge number of new HIV infections among the 16 districts of Western Province.

Mrs Nalishebo has implored young children in the province to avoid indulging themselves in illicit behaviour in order to live a healthy life.

The Western Provincial Indaba for 2025 has been held under the theme “Ascertaining the role of young people in enhancing prevention and ending epidemics”.

The Indaba has attracted hundreds of adolescents from across the province.

Northern Province Deputy Permanent Secretary, Beauty Undi-Phiri, has called for a strengthened multi-sectoral approach in responding to public health emergencies affecting the province.

Ms. Undi-Phiri noted that since 2024, Northern Province has faced several health emergencies, including cholera, Mpox and measles outbreaks.

Speaking when she officially opened the Provincial Epidemic Preparedness and Response meeting in Kasama, Ms. Undi-Phiri said the most significant challenge in 2025 has been the ongoing cholera outbreak.

“As of November 4, 2025, the province had recorded a cumulative total of 482 cholera cases affecting five districts namely Mpulungu, Mbala, Nsama, Senga Hill and Kaputa,” she said.

She explained that the first case was detected in Mpulungu on August 5, 2025, which has since recorded 305 cases while Nsama has reported 147 cases, with Senga Hill and Kaputa having recorded five and one case respectively.

Ms. Undi-Phiri added that between 2024 and 2025, the province also recorded 582 confirmed cases of measles, with Mungwi accounting for 493 and Kasama for 89.

The media reports that in the same period, 27 Mpox cases were recorded across Nsama, Mbala, Kasama and Lupososhi districts.

Meanwhile, Northern Province Health Director, Ernest Mutale, emphasized the need for collective responsibility in tackling communicable diseases.

Professor Mutale cited poor sanitation and hygiene as major contributors to cholera outbreaks.

He disclosed that the province has recorded four cholera-related deaths but has largely contained the disease, with only one active case remaining in treatment centers as of November 7, 2025.

“It is incumbent upon everyone, this issue is not only for the Ministry of Health but for all stakeholders to play their part,” he said.

He credited the progress to support from government and cooperating partners, including UNICEF, the Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI), the Red Cross, and the Global Fund.

The meeting attracted District Commissioners, Council Secretaries, Directors of Health Services and Heads of Departments from across the province.

A 34-year-old man of Chifunabuli District has died by suicide after hanging himself with a bedsheet outside his girlfriend’s house.

Luapula Province Police Commanding Officer, Mwala Yuyi, confirmed the incident, which occurred between November 4 and 5 around 21:00 hours, identifying the deceased as John Sondashi of Mutwale Village in Senior Chief Mwewa’s area.

Mr Yuyi told the media that the deceased had recently separated from his wife after promising to marry his long-time girlfriend, who had also divorced her husband. However, he became distressed upon discovering that the woman was planning to reconcile with her former husband.

On the evening of the incident, Sondashi reportedly confronted his girlfriend at her parents’ home, threatening to end his life if she refused to marry him. Her father managed to calm him down and he left the house, while the woman later returned to her home.

“Unfortunately, the man was discovered the following morning around 05:00 hours hanging with a bedsheet outside the girlfriend’s doorstep. The matter was reported to police, who visited the scene and confirmed the incident,” Mr. Yuyi said.

The body has been deposited at Lubwe Mission Hospital Mortuary awaiting burial.