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National Housing Authority has apologised to Vice President Dr Guy Scott for being locked up in the elevators for close to 30 Minutes on Sunday.
The vice president found himself locked up in a lift after featuring on the Radio Phoenix programme.
NHA Chief Executive Officer Elias Mpondela said that the firm has since placed orders for new elevators to replace old ones.
Mr Mpondela said that old elevators at Lusaka’s ZIMCO, Indeco, Findeco and Kulima Tower buildings will be replaced.
Mr. Mpondela has however not stated how much has been set aside for buying new lifts. He has told ZNBC News by telephone that NHA usually maintains its elevators through ZAL Elevators and that the lifts are old and sometimes things go wrong.
He said that investigations have been launched to establish what could have caused the lift to jam because they were maintained recently.
But tenants say they have on many occasions been subjected to use the staircase on their way to their offices because of faulty elevators.
They said that the lifts were only fixed this week because the Vice President was going to Radio Phoenix for a programme
On Sunday afternoon, Vice President Guy Scott was stuck in a lift for about 30 minutes at Lusaka’s ZIMCO House. Dr Scott who had just come from Radio Phoenix on the 12th floor where he featured on a live programme got stuck in the lift after it abruptly stopped on the 8th floor.
[pullquote]NHA Chief Executive Officer Elias Mpondela said that the firm has since placed orders for new elevators to replace old ones.[/pullquote]
The Vice President’s security had to break the grill door to rescue Dr Scott from the faulty lift. Dr Scott who appeared composed during the dramatic lock up, was made to use a different lift on his way to the ground floor.
The Vice President was stuck together with his security and a crew from ZNBC. Radio Phoenix General Manager Elizabeth Mwale Pemba who was visibly upset about the incident made several calls requesting for help from the firm that repairs elevators.
Members of the public wave the Patriotic Front symbol at the inauguration of President Michael Sata
By Noel Lumbama
In the modern world we enjoy an assortment of ring tones from different brands of phones giving us the pleasure of listening to different melodies. Like the different ring tones, the Zambian people are diversely mixed but with a common agenda. Today as we enter a new dawn with PF at the helm of power, we have tuned to a special ring tone of change. We have said that PF is a better option for us. H.E. President Michael Chilufya Sata and his team have been given a mandate to govern us.
Change has taken place in Zambia and in situations of change; resistance and differing opinions are imminent. This is why in the early hours of PF in power there has been criticism. Those quick in criticizing the new government are simply resisting change and in a matter of time will realize the importance of this change to the country. Those who have accepted this change are hopeful that finally the problems faced by the country will be given the due attention. It is however, important for us to remember that differing opinions are key to democracy as they ensure good governance as long as they are constructive. We stand to serve the country better if we say and do things that encourage progress in the country.
What we need to do right now is to provide a working environment and support that the new administration will need to effectively work. This environment includes giving the team time and space. It also means that those of us appointed to serve in this new administration need to commit ourselves to working hard. Just as the commitment that the President and his PF team have so far shown us. PF has been able to immediately get into serious business because the party comes with a 10-year experience of being an opposition and have kept track of issues for that long.
It is therefore our hope that the Sata administration will reverse the wrongs done to the people of Zambia such as bringing back Zambia Airways and other lost values for the country.
A message to PF is that we look forward to good governance that will result in improved livelihoods. It is in our interest to see an all-inclusive strong economy. The President’s opening speech in parliament is an indication that the new administration understands the cries of the people of Zambia.
We have noted with acknowledgement that the PF leadership is persistent in its pursuits. Let us encourage our new leaders to remain persistent in pursuing growth for the nation and especially fighting the menacing corruption.
We would like to see Zambia become a greater nation where all live in peace and are able to raise families, go to school, access services, conduct business, enjoy the freedom of speech and worship. May God continue blessing Zambia.
THE Government is soon expected to bring a vaccine for cervical cancer into the country and will be administered to women free of charge.
And Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ) has said about 1,500 women die every year in Zambia from the disease due to lack of access to the cervical screening programme by most women although the cancer screening initiative started in 2005 had helped to cushion the impact.
Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary, Peter Mwaba said an announcement would soon be made on the arrival of the vaccine, known as Gardasil, which prevents the cancer-carrying Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) mostly spread through sexual contact.
He said plans to bring the vaccine into the country were at an advanced level and that it would save millions of women in the country from dying as a result of cervical cancer, which was currently the leading cause of death among Zambian women.
Dr Mwaba said the coming of the vaccine to Zambia was a great relief and would add impetus to the fight against cancer in Zambia because the vaccine would prevent the disease from developing in recepients.
He said the vaccine was expected to arrive in the country before January monthend next year, and vaccinations would commence in February.
And CIDRZ co-director for cervical cancer prevention programme Groesbeck Parham said the centre, which offers technical assistance to the Government, would roll out the cancer vaccine demonstration project in February next year on behalf of the Ministry of Health.
Professor Parham said under the school demonstration programme, 5,600 adolescent girls were expected to be vaccinated against HPV in schools in Lusaka and the Copperbelt before embarking on a national vaccination of women.
“The purpose is to educate the Ministry of Health about the potential problems, barriers, concerns of the community and any difficulty that may arise before it could roll out a national HPV vaccine,” he said.
And Professor Parham said the introduction of the Cervical Screening Programme had helped to reduce the number of deaths from cervical cancer.
He said under the initiative which was based in Lusaka, about 70, 000 Zambian women had been screened and was expected to be scaled out to other parts of the country.
Prof Parham said the HPV prophylactic or preventive vaccine, which was approved by the World Health Organisation, and the food and drug department was invented by the US-based Merck and Company Incorporated.
He said Gardasil, a standard vaccine for prevention of cervical cancer, was invented seven years ago and so far it had proved to be effective in Uganda, Vietnam and India where it had been authorised for use.
As Zambia celebrates her 47th independence ,we put a spotlight on a woman who is making her country proud and is an inspiration to many .
Dr Dambisa Moyo is an international economist who comments on the macro economy and global affairs.
She is the author of the New York Times Bestseller Dead Aid: Why Aid is Not Working and How there is a Better Way for Africa(2009)and How the West Was Lost: Fifty Years of Economic Folly and the Stark Choices Ahead(2011).
Moyo is also a regular contributor to financial journals such as The Economist and Financial Times and has appeared as a guest on networks such as CNN, CNBC , BBC , and FOX Business.
BACKGROUND
Dr Dambisa Moyo was born (in 1969) and raised in Zambia.
In 1997, Moyo earned a Master of public administration (MPA) from Harvard University’s Kennedy school of Government.
She earned a Master of Business administration (MBA) in Finance and Bachelor of science (BS) in Chemistry from American University in Washington D.C.
She holds a Doctorate (DPhil –Doctor of Philosophy) in Economics from St.Antony’s College ,Oxford University; her 2002 dissertation is titled “Essays on the determinants of the components of savings in developing countries“
HER WORK
In her 2009 book Dead Aid , she discusses foreign aid and why African countries should not rely wholly on it for development. She is brutally honest about how “charity” is actually killing her country Zambia and other African countries.
Moyo explains that Aid is actually worsening the levels of poverty .Countries that were receiving the most amounts of Aid actually had very low average annual growth rates of -0.2%! In the last 30 years when the amount of Aid flowing into Africa were at its peak, poverty levels rose from 11% to un astounding 66%!
“Transferring large amounts of money from one government to another encourages corruption, creates Aid dependency, kills off exports and disenfranchises Africans,” says Moyo. The main problem is that, according to Moyo , “Many Africans are now addicted to Aid.”Foreign aid, in a way, brings up corrupt governments by providing them with freely usable cash. These corrupt governments interfere with the rule of law, the establishment of transparent civil institutions and the protection of civil liberties, making both domestic and foreign investment in poor countries unattractive. With fewer investments there is limited economic growth, which leads to fewer job opportunities and increasing poverty levels. In response to growing poverty, donors give more aid, which continues the cycle.
Dr Dambisa Moyo does not just criticize foreign aid ,she also highlights alternative sources of revenue for developing countries, such as ;
private capital markets,
foreign direct investment,
trade,
micro-enterprise lending
remittances and private savings
That does not mean that Governments would stop being corrupt, but the corruption would be reduced due to the fact that there would less “free” money to throw around. People are more likely to be careful with money they have worked hard for as opposed to money they have been given.
Thus, in Moyo’s view, the starting point of helping Third World countries is to stop pretending that the Aid-based development model currently in place will generate sustained economic growth in the world’s poorest countries. She suggests telling Third World countries that the financial flow will end in five years. Other than temporary disaster relief, there will then be no more Western cash to underwrite African failure.
You may or may not agree with her views , but she does bring about some good points in her book . Our leaders should take time to read it.
Many people has good things to say about her work . She was invited to Rwanda by President Kagame to discuss her thesis and the President bought copies of the book for his entire. He says that “Dead Aid has given us an accurate evaluation of the aid culture today”.
ACHIEMENTS
In 2009, Moyo was honored by the World Economic Forum as one of its Young Global Leaders .
In May 2009, TIME Magazine named Moyo as one of the world’s 100 most influential people.
In September 2009 Moyo was featured in Oprah Winfrey ‘s power list of 20 remarkable visionaries.
On March 14, 2011, Moyo spoke at the annual Observance ceremony marking Commonwealth Day in Westminster Abbey. She spoke on “Women as Agents of Change” in the presence of the Queen Elizabeth II , British Prime Minister David Cameroon and 2000 guests.
In the same month The Daily Beat also selected Moyo as one of “150 Extraordinary Women Who Shake The World” along with Hilary Clinton, Madeleine Albright and others.
She is an inspiration to all Zambians especially women.
Vice President Dr. Guy Scott says all peace loving Zambians should appreciate the role the freedom fighters played in making Zambia a free country.
Dr. Scott says the peace and freedom the country is currently enjoying should be guarded jealously by remaining united.
Dr Scott says this in a speech read for him by Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs Inonge Wina during the National Cultural Night at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka.
The National Cultural Night was part of the events that Government had lined up to mark the 47th independence anniversary.
He observed that arts and culture play a very important role in the country’s developmental agenda.
Dr. Scott says the PF Government believes that arts and cultural sector play a pivotal role in raising the country’s economic status.
Meanwhile, Dr. Scott says the PF Government realises the crucial role of traditional leaders in ensuring effective development in communities.
He says the PF Government will therefore reinstate the glory and respect that traditional leaders once enjoyed.
Speaking earlier, Deputy Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs Belinda Kawandami called on Zambians to be more united as the country celebrates its 47th independence.
The event which was attended by senior Government officials and diplomats was characterised by songs and dances.
PRESIDENT Sata has pardoned over 670 prisoners serving prison terms for mostly wildlife-related offences as an independence anniversary gesture of goodwill.
Mr Sata said he set the prisoners free because the MMD government had respected animals more than human beings by throwing hundreds of poor Zambians into prisons on minor offences.
He announced the pardon in his address to the nation yesterday on the eve of the 47th independence anniversary.
“When I dissolved the ZAWA (Zambia Wildlife Authority) board last week, I said this institution and the MMD government seemed to have respected animals more than human beings. As a result, a lot of poor people were imprisoned over minor wildlife-related offences.
“As we celebrate 47 years of our independence, I have extended a gesture of goodwill to these people by pardoning a total of 673 prisoners, majority of whom were jailed over these minor wildlife-related cases,” Mr Sata said.
President Sata announced the dissolution of the ZAWA board of directors at State House last Thursday.
He said a number of people were languishing in prisons over more wildlife-related cases than any other offences.
“There are certain institutions which have more respect for animals than human beings. I have today dissolved the ZAWA board, and I have to look at it, to reconstitute it.
“If you look at our prisons there are more people related to ZAWA than any other offence. We cannot run a country like that. God gave us animals for us to admire, and not animals to turn against us,” Mr Sata said.
He said this shortly after swearing in newly appointed Ministry of Foreign Affairs permanent secretary Peter Kasanda and his Public Service Management Division counterpart Roland Msiska.
[Zambia Daily Mail]
VICE-PRESIDENT Guy Scott says politicians wanting to sabotage the PF Government programmes will find the mission difficult because Zambians are eager to support Government so that it can deliver on its promises.
Speaking on Radio Phoenix’s Government and You yesterday, Dr Scott said while it is a characteristic of the opposition to oppose Government, retrogressive opposition will not yield fruit as Zambians are determined to see the benefits of the change they so wanted.
Dr Scott was commenting on the attacks the United Party for National Development (UPND) has launched against the PF Government.He said the PF Government will report to Zambians any opposition party standing in its way to improve their welfare.
Dr Scott said UPND president Hakainde Hichilema is not a good politician and that his understanding of business cannot easily be transferred to politics. “HH is my friend but he’s a bit like a rugby player who thinks because he understands the rugby ball, he can play football. He thinks because he understands the politics of business, he understands politics,” he said.
Dr Scott said the PF Government is determined to improve the welfare of Zambians and that it has already started working with results showing. He cited the reduction in fuel prices as part of the results and that prices of meal-meal will soon come down for the benefit of Zambians.
Dr Scott said Government will provide a conducive environment for meaningful socio-economic development by putting in a place an appropriate tax system and addressing high borrowing interest rates.
[pullquote]“HH is my friend but he’s a bit like a rugby player who thinks because he understands the rugby ball, he can play football. He thinks because he understands the politics of business, he understands politics,” he said.[/pullquote]
He said there is need for improved monitoring of tax payment to ensure huge sums of money meant for socio-economic development are not lost through tax evasion. Dr Scott said Africa loses more money through tax evasion than the aid it gets.
He said Government will reduce the taxes Zambians pay by making sure everybody pays the right taxes. “If you can get everybody paying tax, then you can get people paying reasonable taxes. We have to make sure the big boys pay their share,” Dr Scott said.
He said the Government will fight corruption because it leads to poverty.
On the new constitution, Dr Scott said Government will work with the information different constitutional commissions gathered to produce the Constitution according to its promise.
A 10-MONTH-OLD baby girl was shot in the arm in Ndola’s Twapia township on Saturday as baby-snatchers struggled with her parents. And police in Ndola have launched a manhunt for the three armed thieves who shot the baby.
Copperbelt acting commanding officer Milner Muyambango said the shooting happened around 22:00 hours. “Police have since launched a man hunt for a group of three people that were putting on black attire and masks, who confronted a couple and tried to snatch a baby from them around 22:00 hours in Twapia,” he said.
Mr Muyambango said after failing to grab the child from its courageous parents, one of the suspected bandits shot the baby in the arm. He named the baby as Queen Mwelwa, who is currently admitted to Arthur Davison Children’s Hospital.
A check at the health institution by a Mail team found the baby in a hospital bed. The baby had a bandage on her right hand, but was playing normally under the watchful eye of her mother, who was standing by the bedside.
Lucy Mwelwa, the mother of the baby, said she and her husband were going to visit a sick relative when the bandits attacked them. Mrs Mwelwa, who was in company of her husband at the hospital, said three people confronted them and tried to snatch the baby. She said the couple struggled with the suspected thieves and after the assailants failed to grab the baby, two of them ran away.
Mrs Mwelwa said the bandit who remained shot the baby’s arm. “I heard the gun shot, but I only noticed when the Chitenge material became wet because of the blood from the baby after she started crying,” she said.
LEADER of the opposition in the National Assembly Felix Mutati says political parties will work as a united force to offer constructive criticism to ensure the commitments made by the government are implemented.
Mr Mutati said the opposition will not work to frustrate the Patriotic Front government’s policies as alleged by some sections of the media. “The opposition is going to be positive in dealing with issues coming up in Parliament… our principal agenda is to deliver development to the people of Zambia,” Mr Mutati said.
He was speaking in an interview yesterday.
Mr Mutati, who is MMD Lunte member of Parliament, said the main item on the agenda of the opposition is to ensure Zambians benefit from the much-needed development.
He said the opposition will render support through constructive criticism to the government.
Mr Mutati, who is also former minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, said President Sata’s speech to Parliament was development centred. He said the opposition will remind Government to implement the commitments it made for the people of Zambia.
“We also want to see a place in the budget for the pronouncement made on infrastructure development. We shall push them to work,” he said. Mr Mutati said the PF, being a new government, is bound to make mistakes, but that the opposition will not dramatise its errors.
“As they work they will make mistakes, but as a united opposition will not going to dramatise that,” he said. He said the opposition will offer checks and balances on a continuous basis on the commitments made on development.
PRESIDENT Sata says his government will remain resolute on the fight against corruption to help put Zambia back on the path of social and sustainable economic development.
Mr Sata said corruption is a cancer which derails national development, and that meaningful sustainable development can only be achieved if the vice is wiped out of the country.
President Sata said this in his address to the nation last evening ahead of today’s Zambia’s 47th independence anniversary, whose theme is, Rejuvenating our Prosperity, Patriotism through the Fight against Corruption.
He said the Patriotic Front (PF) government has declared a zero tolerance to corruption because Zambia is in a hurry to develop and improve the lives of its citizens.
“Corruption is a cancer which delays and derails national development by fattening the pockets of a few selfish individuals at the expense of the majority.
“It is for this reason that the PF government intends to rejuvenate the fight against corruption and greed so that we may achieve prosperity and patriotism,” President Sata said.
He said the government will remain resolute to improving the lives of its people because of the overwhelming mandate that the Zambian people have given it to fulfill the promises made during the election campaigns and subsequent pronouncements.
President Sata said the Zambian people have lost their dignity in their own country because they have been deliberately impoverished through theft and plunder by the people in whom they entrusted their well-being.
President Sata said Zambia is in a hurry to move forward and hungry for development. The PF government has, therefore, declared zero tolerance on corruption to help build a better and prosperous nation.
“By putting us in office, your message was loud and clear. You wanted a better Zambia, a Zambia in which corruption, poverty, injustice and indignity are no more.
“A Zambia of equal opportunities for all, a Zambia where hard work, honesty, integrity and patriotism are not options but hallmarks of citizens’ commitment to the national cause,” he said.
President Sata said the PF government will remain firm on fulfilling all its election promises in realising its vision for a better Zambia. He said using the overwhelming mandate the people gave to the party, Government intends to ensure that it does all it can to uplift the living standards of the people.
“Today, the 24th October, 2011, we celebrate our 47th independence anniversary. It is a time when Zambians should have great joy and pride in themselves and their country.
“We celebrate our liberty and freedom from the shackles of colonialism, freedom from indignity and oppression that we suffered at the hands of our colonial masters. Indeed, freedom to govern and determine our own future, our destiny in building our own nation,” President Sata said.
He said even as the country celebrates 47 years of independence, Zambians should not trust in the arm of man, but thank God for his mercies for giving the people peace and unity despite the country facing many failures and challenges.
President Sata said Zambians should thank God for guiding the country peacefully through the September 20 tripartite elections as well as bringing the people together.
He said elections are now over and that the will of the majority has spoken, hence the need for all Zambians to pull together and put aside partisan interests and contribute effectively to national development.
President Sata called on all Zambians to join hands in working for a better Zambia for all.
“Let us spend our time as productively as possible while your government puts in motion policies and programmes that will trigger the creation of jobs, wealth and more money into people’s pockets.
“The independence we celebrate today was attained at a great cost. Our founding fathers and mothers spared nothing in freeing us from the yoke of colonialism. No pain was too hard for them to bear, no load was too heavy to carry, no life was too precious to lose for the cause of freedom, prosperity and dignity for mother Zambia,” he said.
President Sata said the independence anniversary is a time to renew people’s individual and collective commitment to building a better and more prosperous Zambia as envisioned by the country’s founding fathers and mothers.
He said the freedom is meaningless if it is not translated into better living standards through more jobs for the people.
President Sata called on all Zambians to renew their commitment to and patriotism in building a Zambia where every youth, every mother, every father, uncle and aunt will find a job, decent shelter, clothing and food.
Ex-Zambia coach Dario Bonetti has said he is happy with the sports minister Fackson Shamenda’s statement over the pending report on his dismissal.
Shamenda said in the Sunday press today that he was surprised Faz had confirmed Herve Renard as coach before the ministry could get to the bottom of why Bonetti was fired.
“I’m happy about what Mr Shamenda said. Now I hope to meet him (the minister) to present him my report,” Bonetti told LT sports on Sunday afternoon.
Bonetti meanwhile, has since turned to Fifa for compensation over his contract which said he was it was entitled to be extended should Zambia qualify for the 2012 Africa Cup tournament.
Malawian Vice President Joyce Banda with Guy Scott
Malawian Vice President Joyce Banda has arrived in the country for a private visit. Vice President Banda arrived at Dr Kenneth Kaunda International Airport aboard an Air Malawi flight at exactly 10: 10 hours amid tight security.
Vice President Dr Guy Scott was on hand to receive his Malawian counterpart and immediately proceeded to greet ruling Patriotic Front (PF) cadres who were dancing and singing solidarity songs.
Lusaka Province Minister Miles Sampa and Acting Lusaka District Commissioner Martha Mwitumwa were also on hand to receive Vice President Banda. ZANIS reports that upon arrival Vice President Dr Scott and his Malawian counterpart where immediately driven to Lusaka’s Pamodzi Hotel where she will be lodging during her visit.
While at Pamodzi Hotel, Vice President Dr Guy Scott and his Malawian counterpart held private talks and journalists who followed from the airport to have an interview with the visiting Vice President were advised to leave as Ms Banda would not brief them on her mission to Zambia because she was in the country in her private capacity.
Recently, Zambia and Malawi have come under spotlight following President Michael Sata’s refusal to honour an invitation by that country’s President Dr Mbingu Wa Mutarika to attend the just ended COMESA summit. The President instead delegated Vice President Dr. Guy Scott who attended on behalf of Zambia.
President Sata’s refusal to honour the invitation followed his un-ceremonial ejection from that country in 2007 when he was an opposition leader and was invited to Malawi by former president Bakili Muluzi.
To this effect, Mr Sata demanded that the Malawian government should furnish him with reasons for his deportation.
The Malawian government has since revoked the ban on Mr. Sata to that country where he was declared a prohibited immigrant and said President Sata would be accorded all entitlements of a Head of State.
Malawi, like many other neighbouring countries have enjoyed cordial relations with Zambia since independence from the British colonial masters on 24th October, 1964.
Vice President Guy Scott has assured farmers in the country that Government would finish paying them their dues through the Food Reserve Agency by 31st October this year.
Speaking during the Kulamba Kubwalo traditional Ceremony of the Lenje speaking people held in Chibombo yesterday, Dr Scott said if there would be cases of some farmers not paid their dues by the specified date, his office should be informed so that he could direct FRA to do as stated.
He also informed farmers that all the farming inputs for the 2011/2012 farming season were in place and that Government through the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives would ensure that the inputs were distributed by November this year.
The Vice President said contrary to what the former ruling Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) indicated in their quest to de-campaign the Patriotic Front (PF) that it would terminate free distribution of farming inputs once it came to power, Government would continue with the Fertiliser Support Programme and that this time Soya Beans has been included in the package to allow farmers to widen their horizons.
Dr. Scott said it was Government’s intention to see a better Zambia with economic values and that it wanted proper farming methods for farming and hoped that the inclusion of Soya Beans on the FSP programme would enhance crop diversification and subsequently boost the country’s economy.
He thanked the people of Chibombo for their support during the elections and said the main reason he was attending the ceremony was not because he was Vice President but because he grew up in Lenje land and just wanted to know how his tribesmen were doing after the elections.
Dr. Scott, was accompanied to the ceremony by Ministry of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs Deputy Minister Mary Kawandami.
Later, speaking when he met PF party officials at Chibombo District Council Chamber, Dr. Scott said the victory experienced by the ruling party was not a mere victory but the hand of God.
He said the PF faced a lot of intimidation and character assassination by the ruling MMD and that it was never possible for the PF to emerge victorious without the glorious hand of God which he said he would forever be grateful to.
The Vice President said PF was happy to have won three Parliamentary seats out of the 14 seats in Central Province especially that Central Province was an MMD stronghold.
He said PF would have actually done much better in many constituencies and even scooped the Muchinga Constituency seat had it not been for the fact that former Vice President George Kunda had spent a lot of state resources to win the elections.
However, Dr Scott said his Government was happy with the people of Central Province and would ensure that they delivered on their campaign promises.
Also in attendance at the ceremony was Central Province Permanent Secretary Denny Lumbama, Opposition MMD Provincial Chairlady Grace Mulando, Kembe MMD Member of Parliament Ronnie Shikapwasha, Former Member of Parliament for Kapiri Friday Malwa, among others.
File :Nurses receiving medical equipment and medicine at Chainda clinic
Minister of Health Joseph Kasonde, says Government has taken big strides to resolve the shortage of health personnel in facilities around the country.
Dr Kasonde said Government has identified strategies such as the need to scale up training programmes for health personnel as one way to mitigate this crisis.
He stated that Government has directed nursing training schools to boost the number of student enrolments per intake.
The Minister disclosed that this will be supported by Government capacity building projects to expand infrastructure development in the training schools to enable them accommodate increased number of intakes.
ZANIS reports that Dr Kasonde said this in a speech read on his behalf by Western Province Permanent Secretary, Seth Muleya, at the 21st graduation ceremony for 82 nurses and midwives at Lewanika School of Nursing and Midwifery in Mongu yesterday.
The Minister also said the training programmes for Nurses and Midwifery will help to contribute to the reduction of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality rates.
He stated that the training of medical personnel is cardinal especially if Government is to achieve the reduction in maternal
deaths.
Dr. Kasonde has since urged the graduates to work hard and keep their nurses’ pledge to uphold their professional standards as they serve communities.
“As health professionals you shall be privileged to work closely with other professionals and clients at large. Therefore bear in mind that there are still a lot to learn. Every opportunity you get in contact with a person as you discharge your responsibility is actually a chance to learn new experiences to enrich your knowledge.”
“Our clients are not only consumers but also partners in the delivery of health services. Remember to keep the nursing pledge you have made to uphold the standards of nursing and midwifery and keep a good image of the profession as you are aware nursing is a caring profession.” He said.
Speaking earlier, Lewanika Nursing School Principal Tutor, Alfred Mandona, observed the high number of maternal rates in Western Province.
However, Mr. Mandona commended efforts Government is making in addressing the high mortality rate in the country through the training of health personnel.
He observed that the training of more health professionals will greatly help the country in meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) number five of reducing by three quarters maternal mortality ratio and achieving the universal access to reproductive health by 2015.
Vice President’s wife Charlotte Scott has emphasised the need for young people to have vital information that would enable them live better so that they could make informed decisions to unplanned teenage pregnancies.
Mrs. Scott noted that these unplanned pregnancies in young girls mostly led to unsafe abortions and high prevalence rate of HIV.
ZANIS reports that speaking when she officiated at the Planned Parenthood Association of Zambia (PPAZ) general conference at Andrews Motel in Lusaka today, the second lady observed that if the country did not pay particular attention to the young people’s sexual and reproductive health needs, it’s future was being risked.
She said it was therefore important to enforce and safeguard the reproductive health rights of the young people by creating an environment in which they would easily access information and services needed.
Mrs. Scott also called upon young people in Zambia to fully participate in programmes that were meant to benefit them.
She further noted that the association had served Zambia for a long time trying to meet the reproductive health needs and aspirations of the Zambian people.
Mrs. Scott observed that the role of PPAZ was to promote good reproductive health among women, men and the youth.
And The Planned Parenthood Association of Zambia (PPAZ) has urged teenage girls in the country to be responsible and have protected sex if they cannot abstain.
Executive Director Edford Mutuma said there is need for young people to have critical information that will enable them to lead empowered lives in the country.
Speaking in an interview with ZANIS on the sidelines of the PPAZ general conference in Lusaka today, he said there is need for the country to continue providing services to the communities to help young people realise their rights and achieve goals.
He added that this will facilitate a society whose people have access to equal and affordable sexual and reproductive health services.
Mr. Mutuma also called on teenage girls to desist from unprotected sex as it leads to unplanned pregnancies and abortions which can endanger their lives.
He also implored young people to make informed decisions at all times.
Mr. Mutuma further noted that Zambia is currently faced with a high number of maternal mortality adding that having teenagers being pregnant at early stages is a clear indication that they lacked information.
He also appealed to young girls to be partners with various stakeholders in reducing the number of early pregnancies in the country.
