The Indian government says it attaches great importance to improving the education sector in Zambia.

Indian High Commissioner to Zambia, Alok Ranjan, says education is central to the government’s strategy for economic development.

Mr Ranjan says India regards education as a key driver of any country’s economic growth.

He disclosed that this is demonstrated by the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC), a programme which provides scholarships for short term courses to the Zambian citizens.

Instituted in 1964, ITEC is one of the oldest institutionalised arrangements for international capacity building, having trained more than 500,000 students as well as officials in 300 courses from more than 160 countries, Zambia included, in both the civilian and in the defence sector.

The Indian Envoy revealed that Zambia has this year been allocated 170 slots for students to go and study in India.

Mr Ranjan however bemoaned that Zambia only used 110 slots last year in 2024, leaving out the rest unutilised by students.

He explained that the government of India is focused on helping expand the economy of Zambia in order to generate resources that can be directed toward supporting the education sector.

“Education is key to the country’s economic growth and my administration welcomes organisations such as ITEC that invest in the education sector, to supplement her efforts in our journey to provide quality education,” he said.

Mr Ranjan also said India has continued to provide world-class capacity building trainings and scholarships at eminent institutions through e-ITEC for online trainings using digital delivery platforms.

He further explained that India also responds to country-specific needs for training in areas of governance by organising training programmes which are designed and delivered by the leading tertiary institutions in that country.

The Indian Envoy has since challenged alumni of ITEC training to be proactive and share their life experiences in order to attract other new learners.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary (PS), Maambo Hamaundu, disclosed that a total of 2,100 students from Zambia have so far benefited from ITEC programmes.

Mr Hamaundu appreciated the Indian government for giving a chance to Zambian students to study, gain knowledge and exchange life skills through education in that country.

He said it is vital to have an educated cadre of human resources for the country to develop and thrive.

Mr Hamaundu said this is the reason why the current administration has given emphasis to children by providing them with free education.

“Building on India’s vast and rich network available in higher educational institutions, Zambia is eager to learn and harness such training to better the lives of our citizens,” he said.

Mr Hamaundu further said Zambia and India enjoy warm and cordial relations aimed at empowering the peoples in the two countries.

The ITEC Day held last evening in Lusaka was spiced by sharing of experiences from its alumni.

ZANIS staffer, Victor Mwila, a beneficiary who studied Development Journalism at one of the reputable universities in India, said the knowledge he gained is now bearing fruit.

Chief Sandwe of the Nsenga people of Petauke district in Eastern Province has lashed out at women in the tendency of teaching young girls how to take care of a man sexually during puberty saying the practice was encouraging girls to engage in illicit sex that is resulting in unwarranted teenage marriages and pregnancies in his chiefdom.

Chief Sandwe described as unfortunate the situation where 6 pupils are said to have fallen pregnant at Lusandwa Primary School this year alone attributing it to negative initiation ceremonies usually conducted by women.

The traditional leader noted that the practice threatens the future of the younger generation.

Chief Sandwe further noted that some cultural practices contribute to early marriages, stressing that girls should not be taught how to take care of a man but rather the consequences of engaging in premarital sex among other vices.

The traditional leader warned that those found promoting such harmful practices will be punished severely.

“I want to remind you, my people, to stop marrying off young girls and instead take them to school,” Chief Sandwe stated categorically.

Meanwhile, Lusangazi District Commissioner Margaret Zulu expressed concern that many girls were being defiled in their own homes by people who are supposed to protect them.

Ms Zulu said the vice is deeply troubling to the government, as it is forcing children to become parents while still young and making it difficult for them to continue with their education.

She questioned why some parents would subject their daughters to immoral behaviour instead of supporting their education, especially now that the government has introduced free education to secure a better future for all children.

Ms Zulu further warned that parents and perpetrators involved in early marriages or defilement will face wrath of the law.

“I wonder how some parents can subject their children to early marriages while failing to provide for them,” Ms Zulu wondered.

Government says it has made meaningful progress in the HIV response that has seen a steady decrease in new HIV infections in the country.

Speaking at the 2025 HIV Estimates Dissemination Meeting, Minister of Health, Elijah Muchima, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Kennedy Lishimpi, said the government has also seen a significant decrease in mother-to-child infections.

Dr Muchima also said the country has recorded a good treatment outcome that has enabled it to have 98 percent of people living with HIV knowing their status, while 98 percent on treatment and 97 percent of those on treatment achieving viral suppression.

“Zambia continues to make meaningful progress in the HIV response, new infections have declined from 67,585 in 2005 to 29,729 in 2025,” said Dr Muchima.

He however noted that there is a need for age-appropriate interventions aimed at addressing infections in adolescents and young people, currently standing at 37 percent of all new HIV infections.

And United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Country Representative, Seth Broekman, commended the government on its leadership towards HIV response and achieving sustainable development goal 3.3, which targets ending HIV as a public health threat by 2030.

Mr Broekman added that the HIV response has disclosed how crucial a multisectoral approach is in addressing issues.

He added that there is need to ensure that what has been achieved is protected and sustained, especially in the context of declining funding.

Meanwhile, United States Government Representative, Jennifer Somtore, said the US government will continue to support the Zambian government and other partners to achieve and maintain HIV epidemic control in Zambia.

Ms Somtore added that her government is committed to ensuring that resources are used effectively, interventions evidence based and progress is measured with accuracy and openness.

Government has reaffirmed its commitment to disability inclusion through the launch of three National Disability Reports aimed at addressing key challenges faced by persons living with disabilities.

Speaking during the launch in Lusaka , Ministry of Community Development and Social Services Permanent Secretary, Angela Kawandami, said the reports mark a major step forward in translating disability policies into tangible actions.

“It is a reaffirmation of government’s resolve to ensure that disability inclusion is not only a matter of policy pronouncement but is translated into tangible actions that positively transform lives. Today’s launch, therefore, signifies more than the presentation of research outputs,” said Ms Kawandami.

The reports launched include the Study on Albinism and Rights in Zambia, the Country Report on the Situation Analysis of Persons with Disabilities, and the Assistive Technology Assessment Report.

Ms Kawandami explained that the study on albinism draws attention to the unique vulnerabilities of persons with albinism, particularly the discrimination, stigma, and safety risks they face.

“It highlights the importance of strengthening legal and policy measures, as well as community-level awareness and protection mechanisms,” she said.

She further noted that the situation analysis report offers a comprehensive overview of the state of disability rights in Zambia, while identifying gaps in access to services, participation in development, and human rights realisation.

The third report, on assistive technology, sheds light on the urgent need to expand access to assistive devices.

“Without such tools, many persons with disabilities remain excluded from education, employment, healthcare, and other economic opportunities,” she added.

The Permanent Secretary stated that the findings of these reports would inform government programming, especially under the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP), which prioritises equity and human development.

“We are particularly committed to strengthening policy frameworks, enhancing service delivery, promoting assistive technologies, and ensuring the meaningful participation of persons with disabilities,” she said.

Ms Kawandami emphasised that disability inclusion is not a matter of charity but of rights, dignity, and social justice.

“Persons with disabilities are equal citizens whose voices, skills and potential must be fully recognised in our national development,” she said.

Meanwhile, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Zambia, Beatrice Mutali, in a speech read on her behalf by UNICEF Country Representative, Nejimudin Bilal, said there is urgent need to protect persons with disabilities, especially those with albinism.

“We need to promote greater awareness of their rights through education, community engagement, and empowerment. The lives of persons with albinism matter. The lives and organisations that fight for their rights should not be left behind.” said Mr Bilal.

And Association for Blind Women Empowering and Nurturing Zambia Initiatives representative, Carol Kapungwe, called on the government to improve healthcare services.

“We need assistance devices such as sunscreen for persons with albinism and better healthcare access for all persons with disabilities,” she said.

The launch of the reports marks a critical step towards building a more inclusive and equitable society.

The Zambia Police Service has launched a full-scale manhunt for Constable Emmanuel Tembo, an officer of the Protective Unit Headquarters, who allegedly stole K622,483 from a bank on September 15, 2025, while on duty.

According to Police Public Relations Officer Rae Hamoonga, Tembo was armed with an AK47 rifle loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition when he reportedly entered the bank under the pretext of performing his official duties. After the bank had closed and staff were preparing cash-in-transit collections, Tembo allegedly accessed the bulk room, took a sealed bag containing the cash, and fled the premises.

“Attempts by bank staff and security officers to apprehend him proved futile as he fled in an unknown direction,” Mr. Hamoonga said.

The officer later abandoned his uniform, firearm, and ammunition, which were recovered after he reportedly surrendered them through a taxi driver in Shimabala. As of now, neither Tembo nor the stolen cash has been recovered, and investigations have been intensified.

“The Zambia Police Service strongly condemns such grave misconduct and betrayal of public trust by an officer entrusted with safeguarding life and property,” Mr. Hamoonga stated.

He added, “We wish to make it categorically clear that this act of criminality will not go unpunished. Constable Emmanuel Tembo is now a fugitive, and the Zambia Police will relentlessly pursue him to ensure he answers for this crime.”

Authorities have appealed to the public to provide any information that may lead to Tembo’s arrest, urging citizens to report credible tips to the nearest police station.

“The Zambia Police Service remains steadfast in upholding discipline, accountability, and the rule of law, even within its own ranks. No one is above the law,” Mr. Hamoonga emphasized.