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COVID-19 pandemic had a disruptive effect on the implementation of TB interventions in Zambia

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COVID-19 pandemic had a disruptive effect on the implementation of TB interventions in Zambia

Minister of Health Sylvia T Masebo has said the COVID-19 pandemic had a disruptive effect on the implementation of tuberculosis (TB) interventions in Zambia.

When officiating at the Regional consultation Conference on the management of TB in children and adolescents for the African region,
Ms Masebo said at the peak of the first wave of the corona virus pandemic, the country recorded an 18 per cent reduction in weekly TB notifications.

She said government through the Ministry of Health hastened to mount up a robust response program that extensively put in place mitigation measures.

Ms Masebo further noted that the government has prioritized the attainment of the universal health coverage agenda in the 8th national development plan.

She pointed out that government is investing in human resource for health as evidenced by the recruitment of 11,326 health care workers recently.

“TB remains a disease of public health concern globally, in the African Region, and individual Countries including ours. This supports the narrative that TB anywhere is TB everywhere. In 2021, it was estimated that there were 10 million new cases of TB globally, with at least 1 million cases in Children below the age of 15 years. TB has been a deadly disease and it still remains deadly. In 2021 over 1.5 million deaths were attributed to TB globally, and over 200,000 of these deaths were in children below 15 years. These grim statistics show that we need to do more to reverse this situation which the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated.Despite the burden of TB remaining high in Zambia, I wish to share that we have accelerated our TB response in the last two decades. Working collaboratively with our stakeholders, we have reduced the TB incidence from 759 per 100,000 in the year 2000 to 319 per 100,000 in 2020. This represents a 58 % reduction,” Ms. Masebo said.

“Further, Zambia has significantly reduced TB mortality, especially in HIV positive population. Despite the devasting effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic, we made great strides in TB case notifications. In 2021, one of the peak years for COVID-19, we notified 50,825 TB cases, compared with 36, 866 in 2019. Our treatment coverage now stands at 85%, getting close to the global target. We have also made an outstanding performance in increasing TB Preventive Treatment initiations and completion rates in persons living with HIV. TB treatment success rate in patients with drug-sensitive TB has been at least 90% in the last four years. Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, I also wish to inform you of the tremendous progress that Zambia has made on the United Nations High-Level Meeting (UNHLM) targets. By week 35th of 2022, we achieved 98% against the United General Assembly (UNGA) target for Zambia TB notifications. In addition, we have already surpassed the mark for TB Preventive Treatment in people living with HIV. Of concern, are the low TB case detection and TB Preventive Treatment coverage in under five contacts of TB patients. By the end of 2021, we attained 62% of the childhood TB notifications, looking unlikely to achieve the UNHLM targets by the end of 2022. TB Preventive Treatment in the under-five contacts is 35%.”

Ms. Masebo added:”As a country, we will use this meeting to learn the best practices from other countries and experts from WHO and other technical agencies on accelerating TB case finding and prevention in children. To address the issue of low TB case detection in children, we are decentralizing TB screening, diagnosis, treatment and prevention to primary health care levels. This approach involves building the capacity of frontline workers through onsite mentorship and structured technical support supervision. Unfortunately, drug-resistant TB notifications are also way below the target.Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, Reflecting on this meeting and its objectives, I am happy to inform you that the Government of the Republic of Zambia places a premium on the health of children and adolescents. Addressing TB in children and adolescents is a priority for this government. Against this background, I applaud and welcome the WHO recommendations to shorten TB treatment to four months in children and adolescents with non-severe TB.”

Ms. Masebo revealed that the Ministry of Health has consolidated TB guidelines which will be launched soon.

“You will be pleased to note that we have already adopted and included this recommendation in our Consolidated TB guidelines, which I will be launching soon. We continue to be proactive in adopting new molecular and rapid diagnostic tools in our laboratories. We have rolled out Gene-Xpert testing using stool specimens and Urine LAM. These tools have helped us increase TB detection in children, especially those under five years, as reflected in our 2021 performance. In 2019, TB case notifications in children aged 0-14 years stood at 2473 cases. This is before we introduced LAM and related diagnostic interventions. In 2021, after introducing the newer interventions, we notified 3,890 TB cases in the same population, an increment of 57.3%. Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, The UPND led government has placed a premium on the matter of TB. To that effect, we have domesticated the End TB Strategy and other Global Commitments, such as the Sustainable Development Goals. We have translated them into the National Strategic plan, including the current one covering the Period 2022 to 2026. In this National Strategic Plan, we are taking bold and strategic steps to expand the coverage of TB interventions to reach every TB patient within the bounds of the Country. We are taking deliberate steps to ensure we deliver and improve care quality to everyone who accesses health services, including TB,” she said.

‘The Ministry of Health, under my leadership, continues to support research and innovations to inform policy and enhance service delivery across the continuum of care. You may be aware that through the University of Zambia, the Country participated in two landmark studies, the TB SPEED and SHINE studies, that have informed the normative guidance recently published by the World Health Organization. The two studies informed us about newer TB diagnostic approaches and shorter TB treatment regimens in children. We will continue to create an enabling environment for conducting transformative research. You will be pleased to also learn that we just concluded conducting two large studies that have policy implications on TB services; the Out-of-Pocket Expenditure Study and the Drug-Resistant Survey. The first-ever Out of Pocket Expenditure study showed that 42% and 56% of drug-sensitive and drug-resistant TB, respectively, experienced catastrophic costs due to TB treatment. With this critical information, we will adjust the policy frameworks to remove the current barriers TB patients experience when seeking health care. We are already implementing interventions that bring about equity and ease of access to sensitive and rapid TB diagnostic tools. As a demonstration of our intent to eliminate catastrophic costs due to TB, we have deployed mobile TB trucks equipped with Gene-Xpert and Digital chest-Xray machines in seven out of the ten provinces. We have also deployed community-based volunteers supporting robust TB contact investigation and treatment support for TB patients. This includes those with drug-resistant TB. With this approach, we are reaching, on average, 04 contacts per TB patient. We continue to build on these high-impact interventions to expand the TB treatment coverage from 85% to 90%.Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, The COVID-19 pandemic had a disruptive effect on the implementation of TB interventions,” Ms. Masebo said.

“During the peak of the first wave, we saw an 18% reduction in weekly TB notifications. Learning from the Cholera outbreak in 2018, which equally led to the decrease in TB notifications, we quickly mounted a robust response and extensively put in place mitigation measures. Central to our TB response to COVID-19 was the creation of the TB situation room. This situation room is our flagship intervention that has enhanced the use of data for decision-making and action. Using this flagship intervention, we could effectively coordinate case-finding measures, provide strategic guidance, and sustain a stable supply chain for all essential commodities for TB. Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, The Government of the Republic of Zambia, under the leadership and stewardship of His Excellency the Republican President Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, has put the attainment of Universal Health coverage as a critical priority under the 8th National Development Plan. Under this framework, we have prioritized primary health care as a bedrock of our health interventions. In the spirit of integration, we will ensure that TB screening is integrated into Maternal and Child Health services, and diabetic clinics. We are also investing in human resources for health; in the first year of this Government, we have recruited 11,326 health care workers. This additional workforce has contributed to reducing the doctor and nurse-patient ratio. These health care workers will contribute to service delivery regarding childhood and adolescent TB.Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, I will be failing in my duty if I do not highlight areas that need global coalition and urgent actions to support the strategy to end TB by 2030:Additional resources are required to conduct research; this includes building the capacity of our health workforce in research. We need newer child-friendly second-line drugs A newer TB vaccine is needed Migration of paper-based data capturing and reporting to a digital case-based electronic platform.”

Ms. Masebo concluded:”I would like to express our profound appreciation for the support we continue to receive from various funding technical agencies such as; the WHO, USAID, US CDC, Global Fund, and the Stop TB Partnership to mention but a few. I also wish to thank all the distinguished delegates and stakeholders who have made this consultative and transformative meeting a reality. I wish to seize this opportunity and officially launch our TB National Strategic Plan for 2022-2026, the Consolidated National TB Guidelines and the TB Situation Room Dashboard.Finally, it is my singular honour and privilege to declare the Regional Consultative meeting on the Elimination of Childhood and Adolescent TB officially opened.”

Meanwhile, Ministry of Health Zambia Permanent Secretary-Technical Services Lackson Kasonka has said the Zambia National Public Health Institute-ZNPHI working with the Ministry of Health has prioritized public health security for the country as an investment aimed at safeguarding the wellbeing of the citizens.

Speaking in Lusaka, during an official opening of the Zambia Field Epidemiology Training Program-FETP, Professor Kasonka has observed that the program is one of the key strategic roles in assuring health security as has been shown from the FETP involvement in rapid response to disease outbreaks across the country since inception.

He has assured that the high level policy discussions are underway that will create positions for field epidemiologists and motivate graduates in their career progression.

“Keeping the momentum of all FETP gradates can also be attained through alumni networks like this one,” he said.

Professor Kasonka has revealed that government has shown commitment through the allocation of funds in the national budgets to support FETP.

The Permanent Secretary said the ministry will also work closely with ZNPHI to extend disease intelligence structures at provincial and district levels.

“Zambia recognises the need for epidemiological skills at all levels of care,” he adds.

He said the ministry will continue engaging districts and provinces at national level in
training so as to improve health care worker skills through the Frontline and Advanced FETP tiers.

And ZNPHI director general Roma Chilengi says emergency preparedness is key to combating novel diseases.

Professor Chilengi also health advisor to the president is hopeful that the training workshop will moot lasting solutions to public health emergencies and disease surveillance.

World Health Organisation Country Representative to Zambia Dr.Nathan Bakyaita has applauded the FETP role in training health professionals with investigative skills that ensures evidence based data for public health decision making.

Zambia has has sell-outs and puppets as Leaders-Fred M’membe

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Zambia has has sell-outs and puppets as Leaders-Fred M’membe

Socialist Party (SP) Leader Fred M’membe has said that the country is at risk of losing its sovereignty because it has sell-outs and puppets as Leaders.

Dr M’membe said this in light of what he termed as the Assembling of the United States of America Military office in Zambia.

He said this calls for all well-meaning Zambians to rise and create a gigantic movement which no imperialist force will destroy.

“When the strongest army in the world sets up in your territory, you can no longer maintain your independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty,” Dr. M’membe has said.

He has however noted with concern that what previous Republican Presidents rejected is what President Hakainde Hichilema is allowing in the country, charging that the Americans have come to take away the country’s honour and sovereignty.

“The American Military have made it clear that their presence is to protect American interests…..but you may wish to know that American interests are not our interests. The interest of an imperialists can never be our interest where were they when we were fighting for our independence,” he said.

And Dr M’membe said allowing the American Army to set up an office or installations in the country is a danger to Democracy.

Dr M’membe said this is because the Americans would never allow a political party that opposes its agenda to rule the country. He cited Patrice Lumumba of then Zaire, Samora Marchel of Mozambique and Abdel Gamal Nasser of Egypt as some of the leaders the Americans disliked and toppled.

“We can say it is not a military base they are setting up but look at what is happening to Ghana today, the Americans would not allow a political party that oppose their stay to come into government. This kills Democracy,” Dr M’membe stated.

Meanwhile, Dr M’membe said the presence of American Military in any country yields destabilisation.

“Whichever country they have gone to there is no peace. This is what our government is bringing to us, to threaten our peace. A country that is a colony can never develop. They have destroyed Libya, Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, we know that they are supporting separate forces in Ethiopia,” he stated.

Dr M’membe has since called upon citizens to defend the independence and sovereignty the country has enjoyed.

“This calls for cooperation, solidarity, Humility……. the issues we are talking about are not small issues. These are issues that give us an identity. We make a clarion call to all citizens and Democrats to work side by side with us and defend our dignity and existence,” he said.

Parliament votes to Reject Motion to Extend Bursaries Scheme to Private Universities

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Parliament votes to Reject Motion to Extend Bursaries Scheme to Private Universities

Parliament has rejected a motion to extend the Government Loan Scheme to Private Universities in a vote of 74 to 51 votes.

The motion was moved by Kamfinsa Member of Parliament Hon. Engineer Christopher Kang’ombe was seconded by Chama North Member of Parliament Yotam Mutayachalo.

In his debate Hon. Kang’ombe said since 1966, the Zambian Government has been investing in higher education, in order to promote human capital formation, which is essential for the socio-economic prosperity of the country. It is worth noting that until 1996, what the Government provided were higher education bursary grants.

He said Government, later on introduced a cost-sharing policy in all public institutions of higher learning, which led to some fees being charged on students. However, this cost-sharing policy proved to be a hindrance for the majority of school leavers, who were from poor families, resulting in the Government’s decided to continue giving bursaries to some students who were considered to be vulnerable.

“In 2004, the bursary scheme under the old bursaries committee was reformed to introduce the student loan scheme. As such, Government started giving out educational loans to some students at the University of Zambia (UNZA) and the Copperbelt University (CBU)”.

He further stated that following the enactment of the Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Act No. 31 of 2016, Government fully operationalised the loan scheme, and in 2018, began recovering funds as loan repayment from former beneficiaries of the loan scheme. Since the commencement of recoveries, the Government has so far recovered part of the money, which has been pumped back into the Loans and Scholarships Fund.

In 2019, a landmark decision was made when the loan scheme was extended to other public universities such as Kwame Nkrumah, Chalimbana, Mukuba, Mulungushi and Palabana Universities.

Lusaka MFEZ to construct 4 million US Dollar Police station

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Lusaka MFEZ to construct 4 million US Dollar Police station

Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security Jack Mwiimbu said the construction of the 4 Million US dollars police station at the Lusaka South Multi-Facility Economic Zone (MFEZ) is in tandem with the government’s policy of ensuring access to police services by all Zambians.

Mr. Mwiimbu, noted that the zone is expected to become a fully functional town adding that the police station will create an opportunity for police officers to service the upcoming communities.

He said thus in a speech read on his behalf by his Permanent Secretary Josephs Akafumba at the groundbreaking ceremony of the police station within the zone.

“The police station, once constructed, will serve the interests of your investments which include, equipment, products, holding stocks, raw materials as well as general safety for the workers,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police, Lemmy Kajoba said the development of the police station will attract an influx of a number of local residents.

Mr. Kajoba said police is more than ready to ensure that there is enough security in the area.

He said this in a speech read on his behalf by this deputy in charge of operations, Milner Muyambango.

MFEZ Managing Director Kennedy Mwila said the construction of the police station was initiated due to the rise of criminal activities in the area.

Mr. Mwila said some companies and investors within the zone have experienced damages to costly infrastructures such as power lines and transformers, and water pipes.

He noted that murders have also been committed within the zone adding that five bodies were picked in the last 20 months.

“This threat on investment asset and capital and on life is the reason LS MFEZ limited has made a decision to construct a police station to create assurance of security at the zone,” he explained.

Youth Parliament launches Caucus

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Youth Parliament launches Caucus

Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia Nelly Mutti says youth participation and representation in institutional political processes and policy making has remained low globally and led to the relegation of youths.

Ms. Mutti said this low participation and representation of youths has led to the marginalization, loss of confidence in the country’s political systems and a waste of creative ideas and skills among youths.

“Globally, youth participation and representation in institutional political processes and policy making remains relatively low. Few youths are found in Parliaments, public administration and decision-making positions. As a result, their participation, in many cases, has been relegated to places such as social media” she said.

Speaking when she officially launched the Zambia Youth Parliamentary Caucus ZYPC, Ms. Mutti said the National Assembly established the ZYPC to create a platform for the youth to engage the institution of Parliament on issues that affect them.

She said the creation of a platform for the youths can bridge the gap between the Youth and Parliament and increase youth participation.

The Speaker further said the ZYPC will contribute to strengthening national, regional and international democracies, and enable governments tackle various challenges and achieve developmental goals, including the Sustainable Development Goals, most of which pertain to the welfare of young people.

“You will note that over one third of the one hundred and sixty-nine targets of the SDGs, relate to young people and the importance of their empowerment, participation and well-being. This underscores the critical role that the youth ought to play in order to achieve the SDGs and social economic development” she added.

And speaking at the same occasion, Zambia Youth Parliamentary Caucus Chairperson Jean Chisenga said it is important for formal platforms such as the ZYPC to be formed for youths in order for young people to be able to participate actively in creating their future.

Ms. Chisenga, who is also Mamblilima Member of Parliament has thanked the Speaker, the Inter-Parliamentary Union, fellow Members of Parliament and other stakeholders involved in the process of forming the Caucus.

She has since called on other organizations to come on board to support the Caucus.

“As I agree with Agbana, I would like to add that for youngs to actively participate in creating their own future, formal platforms must be established for them,” she said.

Meanwhile, ActionAid Country Director Nalucha Ziba said youths worldwide and in Zambia face a lot of several challenges which act as a hindrance to the country’s economic development.

Ms. Ziba said the large youth population raises questions of youth participation, integration and lack of reference points for solutions.

She said youth participation in matters of national interest is important as youths have the energy, enthusiasm, innovation and dynamism that can be harnessed for Africa’s development.

Ms. Ziba noted that innovations such as the ZYPC could produce solutions to the problems faced by youths.

“The Youth, not only have the advantage of numbers but the energy, enthusiasm, innovation and dynamism that can be harnessed for Africa’s development with appropriate policies that address the issues they face” she said.

The Zambia Youth Parliamentary Caucus has been established under the theme: Bridging the gap between Parliament and the Youth.

Government hands over 71 fuel tankers to various youth cooperatives drawn from across the country

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Government hands over 71 fuel tankers to various youth cooperatives drawn from across the country

The government through the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts has handed over 71 fuel tankers to various youth cooperatives drawn from across the country.

Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts Elvis Nkandu handed over the fuel tankers during a ceremony at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on Wednesday afternoon.

The event in Ndola saw cooperatives receive the tankers after the conclusion of the establishment of the new modalities for disbursing.

Most of the 71 fuel tankers were procured by the previous Patriotic Front PF government under then Minister of Youth Emmanuel Mulenga.

Several Ministers among them Chushi Kasanda of Information and Media, Small and Medium Enterprises’ Elias Mubanga and his Copperbelt counterpart Elisha Matambo were present.

In his keynote speech as guest of honour, Mr. Nkandu urged more youths countrywide to apply for various empowerment programmes.

Mr. Nkandu said he was disappointed that fewer youths are applying for various empowerment programmes under the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts.

He disclosed that less than 200 youths from all the ten provinces had applied for the fuel tankers empowerment scheme.

Mr. Nkandu said unlike in the past youth empowerment programmes are now non partisan.

He said segregation that characterised the disbursing of the fuel tankers in the past was sorted out and the right people will benefit.

“In the entire Northern Province only five applications were received. Only five applications the whole Northern Province. Whom do you want to blame ad youths? You are just bringing yourselves down. Go and tell your fellow youths that you are just bringing yourselves down. Under general empowerment programme we only received 457 applications the whole country but you are hearing youths complain that the government is not helping us. How can you be helped if you are not identifying yourself? Under general empowerment programme you request government to buy you things like block-making machine, tailoring machine, saloon equipment, water pumps for farming,” Mr. Nkandu said.

He said operators of the fuel tankers will be linked to oil marketing companies by the government.

“The Government of the Republic of Zambia through our Ministry has hand over 50 Fuel Tankers to 50 Youth cooperatives drawn from across the country at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola District of the Copperbelt Province. This is following the conclusion of the establishment of the new modalities for disbursing various youth empowerment programmes under our ministry. We also wish to inform the nation that the 50 additional fuel tankers that were procured under the youth empowerment programme have since been inspected and are ready for distribution.We are aware of the segregation that characterised the disbursement of youth empowerment programmes in relation to the selection of beneficiaries in the past, and that will no longer be the case under the New Dawn Government led by President Hakainde Hichilema. We further wish to assure the youths and the nation at large of transparency in the distribution process to ensure that the intended youth cooperatives benefit from the initiative,” Mr. Nkandu said.

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Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts Permanent Secretary Kangwa Chileshe said the disbursing of various Youth Empowerment schemes is inclusive as youths from all the 10 provinces have benefitted.

Mr. Chileshe said the New Dawn government view youths as equal partners to the development of Zambia.

He said youths have the potential to change their lives, community and nation at large.

“The youth are equal partners to the development of our nation, Zambia.Today, we are disbursing various Youth Empowerment schemes in the Copperbelt Province for all the 10 provinces.This is indeed what the youth need to uplift their livelihoods and participate in the New Dawns commitment that no one is left behind in attaining development.Youths do not only have the potential to change their lives but also to change their community and nation at large as they turn their fortunes with the help of their government,” Mr. Chileshe said.

In November, 2020, the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Child Development empowered 52 youth cooperatives on the Copperbelt Province.

The 52 youth cooperatives received funding for their projects worth over K11 Million.

The money was part of the K470 Million Multi-Sectoral Youth Empowerment Programmes launched by then President Edgar Chagwa Lungu on 15th August, 2020 in Ndola.

The Minister presented 2 Fuel Tanker Trucks, 2 Rosa Buses and various youth empowerments to youth cooperatives.

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2023 National budget should address securing investment- Economist

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2023 National budget should address securing investment- Economist

An Economist says that the 2023 National budget scheduled to be presented this Friday by Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane is expected to address a number of important issues such as a secured investment.

Social Economist Kelvin Chisanga says the 2023 budget is expected to work slightly more on accountability, transparency and within the set target policy objectives.

Mr Chisanga added that the budget is expected to work on receiving supplementary support of basically about 10-12 percent from a number of multilateral and bilateral partners in the wake of advancing economic recovery as a balancing wheel.

He called for government to also maintain the current mining tax regime in order to build up on this sector with policy consistent measures.

Mr. Chisand said doing so might require shaping in order to fully accommodate and save the small-scale miners.

He was speaking to ZANIS in an interview in Lusaka.

Mr Chisanga noted that the 2023 National budget needs to keep engaging in job creation opportunities, tax cuts and creating conducive policy environments such as a predictable policy framework for businesses and investment to strive.

“The monetary and financial performance shows some good features with the current budget of 2022, so it is likely to maintain this path in 2023 as government and key stakeholder should continue to advance on this trajectory,” he noted

Mr Chisanga called for the need to expedite repealing the public private partnership Act of 2019 to widen its scope for full participation of various economic agents to enhance wider contribution by many stakeholders from both public and private sectors.

He said it is imperative to sustain the focus of rebuilding the economic recovery process and trigger a steady growth pattern, by continuing social support such as Fertilizer Input Support program (FISP), energy subsidies with at least 20-25 percent tax suspension, social cash transfer etc.

Mr Chisanga proposed that the budget be exposed to thorough evaluations particularly centring on the medium-term projects that may take a duration of 12 months and slightly more in order to make impactful results on the proceeding budgets.

Meanwhile Mr Chisanga said that the main keynote feature is expected to be a resilient route taken in supporting private investment profile, and focus on income and company tax to adjust in order to allow soft landing considering prospects of global recession about to hit in 2023.

Mr Chisanga noted that the current running system around CDF has shown a low absorption level, and it will also be interesting to explore better models of bringing up to the speedy process of fostering outstanding solutions with the CDF.

He noted the need to enhance some easier social and technical mechanisms around CDF with stiff monitoring and evaluation modalities in order to make it more impactful for social development.

Contagious Bovine Plural Pneumonia kills over 800 Cattle-West

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Contagious Bovine Plural Pneumonia kills over 800 Cattle-West

The Contagious Bovine Plural Pneumonia has killed over 800 cattle in Nkeyema district in Western province since June this year.

Provincial Veterinary Officer Stephen Tembo has disclosed that 835 out of 1,647 infected cattle have died from CBPP from June this year to-date.

He explained that the Veterinary Departments across the province have since put up measures to help stop the further spread of the disease in the region.

Dr Tembo said that in an effort to tighten collaboration across the region, the veterinary department in Kaoma district has since intercepted 10 heads of cattle that were illegally being moved from Mumbwa district to Nkeyema.

He confirmed the development, stating that the confiscation of illegally transported animals is in line with the Animal Health Act number 27 of 2010 of the laws of Zambia.

Dr Tembo  explained that the act empowers the department to control and prevent the introduction or spread of a known disease through unauthorised movements.

He noted that the illegal movement of animals has been the major contributor to the spread of the deadly CBPP outbreak in Western province.

Dr. Tembo said the confiscated animals will be disposed of through any method that the department will deem fit to deter would-be offenders.

“We want to dispose of these animals in a manner we will decide and I believe this will save as a deterrent to would-be perpetrators.” Dr. Tembo said.

The Provincial Veterinary Officer further called on members of the public, especially farmers to ensure that they get the necessary documents before moving their animals from one place to another, to avoid being in conflict with the law.

He stated that out of 16 districts in Western Province, only Mwandi, Sioma and Sesheke were CBPP free.

 Kaoma District Veterinary Officer Mwiinga Lilanda said Kaoma has recorded 49 deaths this year, a development he described as worrying.

Dr. Lilanda explained that most farmers are reluctant to report cases, without realizing that it is the only way the department can help them contain the disease.

Kaputa nurse appears in court for assaulting hospital administrator

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Kaputa nurse appears in court for assaulting hospital administrator

Two civil servants working for the Ministry of Health in Kaputa have appeared in the magistrate court for assaulting fellow officers.

Titus Mutebesi, a nurse at Kaputa District Hospital has been charged for assaulting Derick Kamainza, a hospital administrator at the same facility.

The assault resulted in the complainant losing three front teeth.

Particulars of the offence are that on 12th September 2022, at around 19:30 hours, Dr. Kamainza went to buy food from a named butchery in Kaputa town centre where he found Mutebesi, who was in the company of two other friends.

According to facts before the court, Dr. Kamainza greeted the accused who then responded by throwing a beer bottle that landed on the complainant’s mouth and instantly knocked out the teeth.

The complainant then rushed to Kaputa police station where he obtained a medical report.

Dr. Kamainza further revealed to the court that the incident forced him to replace five teeth.

But the accused, who appeared for plea and trial before Kaputa Magistrate, Charles Chanda, denied the charge.

Mutebesi denied hitting the complainant with a bottle but stated that he used his fist as confirmed by a police statement that was recorded on the day.

The magistrate has since adjourned the matter to 29th September for continued trial and extended the police bond that was given to the accused.

And in a related matter, a 30-year-old pharmacy technologist at the same hospital Ken Zimba also appeared in the court for assaulting Nyambe Sitali, a fellow health practitioner at the hospital.

It is alleged that on the 20th September 2022, Zimba assaulted the complainant who sustained body pains.

Zimba however pleaded not guilty to the charge and the court has since set Wednesday 28th September 2022 for commencement of trial.

BRE calls for venturing in agriculture and livestock

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BRE calls for venturing in agriculture and livestock

The Barotseland Royal Establishment ( BRE ) has advised people in the region to venture into farming and livestock keeping.

Induna Ingangwana says people in the region must emulate the Litunga who has produced over 2, 000 by 50 kilogram bags of rice this year and also keeping exotic improved breeds of cattle.

Induna Ingangwana said this at Saa Kuta in Lealui before the Ngambela (Prime Minister) Manyando Mukela gave a report on how the Litunga travelled during his eight days tour of Kalabo and Sikongo Towns that was undertaken from 10th September, 2022 to 18th September, 2022.

He said the BRE was not for the idea of promoting laziness in Western Province adding that people should not just come up with unviable projects in the province with hope to be supported and financed either by or through the provincial administration.

Meanwhile, BRE Induna Ingangwana says people should avoid playing very loud music in their business places or homes in royal establishments and undesignated areas as this was causing disturbances to their neighbourhood.

Induna Ingangwana says loud music was unacceptable in undesignated areas adding that people of Barotseland are known for their respect hence the need to uphold the Lozi tradition.

KCM Provisional Liquidator announces selection of financial advisor to search for equity partner

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KCM Provisional Liquidator announces selection of financial advisor to search for equity partner

Konkola Copper Mines Plc (KCM) Provisional Liquidator Ms. Celine Nair, has announced the appointment of Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) as financial advisor to the Company in the Government’s ongoing efforts to bring it back into full operation.

The appointment of RMB follows on from the announcement in June 2022 that a comprehensive search had begun for a financial advisor to assist in securing financing for its medium to long term projects. A total of 11 local and international firms were invited to participate in the tender process that culminated in the selection of RMB.

“The appointment of RMB is a major milestone in the journey towards the full turnaround of Konkola Copper Mines Plc and its subsidiaries, Konkola Mineral Resources Limited (KMRL) and KCM SmelterCo Limited,” Ms. Nair said.

Ms. Nair added that, “The Company forms part of a strategic national resource base and stepping up the search for a strategic equity partner is vital to unlocking the rich ore reserves at Konkola Deep Mine. It is also pivotal in reaching the targeted increase in national copper production of 3 million tonnes within the next 10 years – the cornerstone of the New Dawn Government’s mining policy.”

Instrumental to the growth of KCM Plc is the Konkola Deep Mining Project (KDMP), which requires a minimum investment of circa US$1.2 billion, to construct additional pump chamber facilities necessary for pumping out water and unlocking new production areas within the rich ore reserves. Other upgrades and expansions are required in the Tailings Leach Plant at Nchanga in Chingola, the Nchanga Smelter and other key assets.

“It is KCM’s focus to complete the process of securing capital as soon as possible in order to accelerate the unlocking of long-held back investments and mine development. These requirements are important to ensure growth and the sharing of benefits to strategic stakeholders, which include the Government and employees of KCM, its subsidiaries, as well as business partners and communities in KCM’s areas of operation,” Ms. Nair said.

Ms. Nair added that the appointment of RMB serves as an assurance to the ongoing management process, which is aimed at strengthening governance in KCM and its subsidiaries.

“A lot of improvements have taken place at KCM since May 2022 and the mine’s future is looking bright as we gear up to increase production as soon as bridge funding is secured, Ms. Nair said.

Zambia ranks 105th in the world by Digital Quality of Life

Chief Editor
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Zambia ranks 105th in the world by Digital Quality of Life

The fourth annual edition of the Digital Quality of Life Index (DQL) reports that Zambia ranks 105th in the world regarding digital wellbeing. That is out of 117 countries, or 92% of the global population. Out of the five fundamental digital life pillars, Zambia’s worst score is for internet quality, ranking 116th globally. While the best is for e-security (64th). Zambia’s internet affordability comes 104th, as well as e-infrastructure, and e-government 114th. In the face of waging inflation, fixed broadband internet has become less affordable worldwide for the second year in a row, prying the global digital divide even further.

The DQL study is conducted by the cybersecurity company Surfshark. It evaluates countries based on five fundamental digital wellbeing pillars: internet quality, e-government, e-infrastructure, internet affordability, and e-security. This year, Zambia comes at the lower end of the index, ranking 105th not even making it into top 100 in the final index. Country ranks 15th in Africa. The country has dropped by 11 positions since last year’s edition, falling from 94th to 105th. Out of all index pillars, Zambia’s weakest spot is internet quality, which needs to improve by 400% to match the best-ranking country’s result (Chile’s).

Internet quality in Zambia is very weak, and on a global scale mobile internet is better than fixed

Zambia’s internet quality, considering internet speed, stability, and growth, ranks 116th in the world and is 68% worse than the global average. Regarding internet speed alone, Zambia’s mobile internet ranks higher than fixed broadband in the global ranking, operating at 18.6 Mbps/s (109th globally). Meanwhile, the fixed broadband internet comes 111st (14.6 Mbps/s).

Compared to Zimbabwe, Zambia’s mobile internet is 15% faster, while broadband is 15% slower. Since last year, mobile internet speed in Zambia has improved by 23.8% (3.6 Mbps), and fixed broadband speed has dropped by 13.3% (2.2 Mbps). In comparison, Singapore’s residents enjoyed mobile speeds up to 104 Mbps/s and fixed to as much as 261 Mbps/s – the fastest internet in the world this year.

Internet in Zambia is not affordable compared to global standards, there’s a lot of room for improvement

Zambia’s internet affordability ranks 104th in the world. Residents can buy 1GB of mobile internet in Zambia for 10 minutes 34 seconds of work per month, 6 times less than in Zimbabwe. However, compared to Israel, which has the most affordable mobile internet on the planet (5s per 1GB), Zambians work 129 times more. Its affordability decreased since the previous year, making people work 10 minutes 13 seconds more to afford the same mobile internet service.

Fixed broadband costs Zambian citizens around 11 hours 14 minutes of their working time each month. To afford it, Zambians have to work 35 times more than Israeli citizens, for whom the most affordable package costs only 19 min of work monthly. Since last year, broadband internet has become more affordable in Zambia, making people work 10 hours 7 minutes less to afford fixed broadband internet service.

The global digital divide is now deeper than ever

Globally, broadband is getting less affordable each year. Looking at countries included in last year’s index, people have to work six minutes more to afford broadband internet in 2022. In some countries, such as Ivory Coast and Uganda, people work an average of 2 weeks to earn the cheapest fixed broadband internet package. The same trend was observed last year. With the current inflation, the pressure on low-income households that need the internet has become even heavier. Surfshark’s study also found that countries with the poorest internet connection have to work for it the longest.

“While countries with a strong digital quality of life tend to be those of advanced economies, our global study found that money doesn’t always buy digital happiness,” – explains Gabriele Racaityte-Krasauske, Head of PR at Surfshark. “That is why, for the fourth year in a row, we continue analyzing the Digital Quality of Life to see how different nations keep up with providing the basic digital necessities for their citizens. Most importantly, our research seeks to show the full picture of the global digital divide that millions of people are suffering from.”

The best and the worst countries to live in by the digital quality of life

Overall, 7 out of 10 highest-scoring countries are in Europe, which has been the case for the past three years. Israel ranks 1st in DQL 2022 pushing Denmark to the second place after its two-year lead. Germany ranks 3rd, and France and Sweden round up the top five of the 117 evaluated nations. Congo DR, Yemen, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Cameroon are the bottom five countries.

Regionally, the US stands out in the Americas as a country with the highest digital quality of life, while Israel takes the leading position in Asia. Among African countries, people in South Africa enjoy the highest digital life quality. In Oceania, New Zealand takes the lead outperforming Australia in various digital areas this year.

METHODOLOGY

The 2022 DQL research examined more than 7.2 billion people regarding five core pillars and 14 underpinning indicators that provide a comprehensive measure. The study is based on the United Nations open-source information, the World Bank, Freedom House, the International Communications Union, and other sources. This year’s study includes seven (6%) more countries than DQL 2021, most of which are African countries.

The final 2022 Digital Quality of Life report and an interactive country comparison tool can be found here: https://surfshark.com/dql2022

2022 AFCON Group H Friendly Watch

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Here is a wrap of what Zambia’s 2022 AFCON Group H opponents were up to during the September international match window.


=COTE D’IVOIRE

Cote d’Ivoire collected back-to-back wins in France where they kicked off with a 2-1 win over Togo on September 24 at Le Petit-Quevilly.

Seko Fofana put The Elephants ahead in the 60th minute and Franck Kessie converted a penalty eight minutes later.

Karim Dermane scored for Togo in the 85th minute.

On Tuesday, Cote d’Ivoire moved to Amiens where they beat Guinea 3-1.
Ibrahima Sangare, Souleyman Doumbia and Fofana were on target with first half goals for Cote d’Ivoire.

Mouctar Diakhaby scored Guinea’s consolation in the 52nd minute.

=COMOROS

Comoros kicked off their friendly engagements in France on September 22 with a 1-0 loss to Tunisia in Orleans.

They then travelled down to Morocco where they lost 2-1 to Burkina Faso in Casablanca.

=LESOTHO

Lesotho did not play any international games during the September window.

Coach Veselin Jelusic instead let his players get competitive match fitness in the league that kicked off on September 17 following a four-month break.

Headphone Music artists Umusepela Chile and Jay Rox collaborate on ‘Black Jesus Part 2’

Entertainment Editor
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Headphone Music artists Umusepela Chile and Jay Rox collaborate on ‘Black Jesus Part 2’

Jay rox

Headphone Music artists Umusepela Chile and Jay Rox collavorated to deliver the sequel to their hit single ‘Black Jesus’. 

The current republican constitution does not meet most of the people’s wishes and aspiration-CCMG

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The current republican constitution does not meet most of the people’s wishes and aspiration-CCMG

The Christian Churches Monitoring Group (CCMG) has said the current republican constitution does not meet most of the people’s wishes and aspirations on fundamental issues.

CCMG Steering Committee Chairperson Bishop Andrew Mwenda said successive Constitutions have merely been imposed on the citizenry.

Bishop Mwenda was speaking during the Public Forum on Zambia’s Road To Legal Reforms Held on 27th September, 2022 at Government Complex in Lusaka.

The forum was attended by representatives from Cooperating partners, the Three Church Mother Bodies,Government, Caritas Zambia, Political Parties, the Electoral Commission of Zambia, Civil Society Organisations,University Students and the Media.

Bishop Mwenda said CCMG is advocating for legislative and electoral reforms conducive to social, economic and political development in Zambia.

“Since Zambia gained its independence 58 years ago, the country has engaged in several efforts to craft a legitimate, democratic and durable constitution that meets the aspiration of every citizen. However, for years, successive governments have promised to deliver a people driven constitution through different constitutional reviews, the result of these efforts has been that most of the people’s wishes and aspirations on fundamental issues have not been met and successive Constitutions have merely been imposed on the citizenry.On our part, the Christian Churches Monitoring Group envisions to be a vibrant agency for responsive legislative and electoral reform. We draw our mandate from our mission statement to strengthen genuine democratic electoral processes and encourage citizen participation in democratic governance in Zambia through civic and voter education, non–partisan election monitoring, research and documentation, electoral reforms advocacy and, capacity building of civil society organizations in democracy, elections and governance,” Bishop Mwenda said.

“We have purposed in our 2022-2026 Strategic Plan, to advocate for legislative and electoral reforms conducive to social, economic and political development in Zambia. It is for this reason we have gathered here to collaborate and work together with both state and non-state actors to champion the crafting of a document that is both coherent and future serving.Ladies and Gentlemen, earlier this year during the launch of the CCMG 2021 General Elections Report, we reiterated the fact that democratic elections bring to the fore strengths and weaknesses of the country’s democracy, for instance the principle of separation of power is tested on whether the Legislature is able to enact laws that support democratic elections or whether the Judiciary is able to litigate electoral related matters in a manner that inspires public confidence without interference of the Executive. Ladies and Gentlemen, our election report highlighted a number of shortcomings throughout the electoral process, and we made key recommendations to strengthen our democracy, electoral processes and operation of oversight institutions, these recommendations are aimed at improving our electoral environment for future elections and the electoral process,” Bishop Mwenda said.

He added that the confusion surrounding the pending Parliamentary by-elections in Kabushi and Kwacha is evidence that that current republican constitution lacks clarity.

“Since then not much has changed, recently like many of you, CCMG followed with keen interest the matter of public interest surrounding the eligibility of candidates whose elections were nullified by the constitution court to re-contest as Members Parliament for Kabushi and Kwacha constituencies and subsequently whose nomination papers were rejected by the electoral commission of Zambia citing Article 72 (4) of the constitution of Zambia Amendment Act No.2 of 2006.CCMG noted with concerns the confusion surrounding the state of the election in the two constituencies and the legal battles due to the lack of clarity in the current legal framework which is susceptible to different interpretation of the law from different stakeholders regarding the eligibility of candidates whose seats were nullified by the constitutional court. Furthermore, we have taken note of the recent resignation and withdrawal from the Kabushi and Kwacha elections by independent candidates in both instances, which actions have been another subject of public debate necessitated by the lack of clarity in the constitution,” Bishop Mwenda said.

The senior clergy said CCMG wants the government to draw a comprehensive legal reform road map and to expedite the legislative reform process.

“CCMG therefore calls on government to draw a comprehensive legal reform road map and to expedite the legislative reform process guided by consensus and broad-based consultations with stakeholders in order to enhance efficiency, transparency, credibility and accountability in the management of elections.”

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