Advertisement Banner
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Subscribe
Advertisement Banner
Home Blog Page 5123

RB vows to continue defending the constitution

editor
-
19

President Rupiah Banda
President Rupiah Banda

President Rupiah Banda has assured the nation that he will stand firm to protect and defend the constitution from any interferences.
President Banda said he would also ensure peace and stability prevails in country.

Mr. Banda said no amount of pressure from the opposition political parties will make him stand out of his principles of ensuring that the three organs of government, the judiciary, legislature and Executive, were free from unnecessary interferences.

He said this when he addressed a rally at Kyawama market to drum u support for the MMD candidate Albert Chifita for the Solwezi central parliamentary by-elections set for November 19th 2009.

Mr. Banda said he will abide by his promise to save the people of Zambia royalty and reach the goal of developing the country thereby making it a better place to live in.

He called on every Zambian to regard the MMD as a national party that can look into their welfare regardless of their political affiliation, race or tribe, saying he was ready to work for the citizens so that he testifies about his leadership’s good works in 2011.

Mr. Banda emphasized that he will not allow any diversionist in the country, who are trying to practice regional or tribal politics, saying government will deal firmly with all those perpetrating riotous behavior in the country.

He therefore asked the people of Solwezi central constituency to give back the seat to the MMD in the forthcoming by-election, saying it is the only patriotic and democratic party that is reedy to take Zambia to greater heights.

Mr. Banda said he was counting on the people of Solwezi to give the party Albert Chifita as the area Member of Parliament (MP) because he was the right man to vote for.

“It does not make sense for you people of Solwezi central constituency to waste your vote on a PF/UPND pact candidate who has no means to develop the area,” Mr. Banda said.

Solwezi central constituency parliamentary by-election has been set for November 19th 2009 being also contested by UPND/PF pact candidate Watson Lumba, Forum for Democratic Alternatives (FDA) Muhammad Kalele and Independent, Thomas Kafula.

The seat fell vacant following the death of area MP Benny Tetamashimba.
ZANIS

15 Gemins Luxury Coach accident victims discharged from Kasama hospital

editor
-
5
GERMINS Bus registration number GML 30 which careered off the road and rammed in a tree killing six people at the spot near Nkolemfumu village some 15 kilometers from Kasama. Pictures by ACKSON PHIRI-ZANIS
GERMINS Bus registration number GML 30 which careered off the road and rammed in a tree killing six people at the spot near Nkolemfumu village some 15 kilometers from Kasama. Pictures by ACKSON PHIRI-ZANIS
One of the accident victims lat Kasama General Hospital. He was on the Germins Bus service where six people died at the spot near Nkolemfumu area in Kasama. Pictures by ACKSON PHIRI-ZANIS.
One of the accident victims lat Kasama General Hospital. He was on the Germins Bus service where six people died at the spot near Nkolemfumu area in Kasama. Pictures by ACKSON PHIRI-ZANIS.

Fifteen out of thirty Kasama bus accident victims, who were admitted to Kasama General Hospital on Wednesday this week, have been discharged.
And five bodies of the six people who perished in the Nkolemfumu accident which involved a Gemins Luxury Coach were this afternoon dispatched to their respective places for burial.
Kasama General Hospital Medical Superintendent Elijah Mutoloki confirmed the discharge of the patients when Northern Province Deputy Permanent Secretary Micah Zyambo visited the hospital to check on the patients.
Dr. Mutoloki told the delegation, which included Kasama Central Member of Parliament Geoffrey Mwamba and Kasama District Commissioner Steven Chanda, that the condition of the remaining patients was stable apart from one who suffered a broken spine.
He revealed that the hospital was making arrangements to evacuate him to Lusaka for specialist treatment.
Earlier Mr. Mwamba, who is the proprietor of Gemins Motorways, told ZANIS that five bodies had been dispatched to their respective places for burial.
He said two bodies of a couple have been dispatched to Mpulungu while two other bodies have been dispatched to Lusaka. The fifth body of a man was dispatched to Malole in Mungwi for burial.
The only body remaining in the hospital is that of a Kasama woman, who will be put to rest on Monday.
Mr. Mwamba has described the accident as a tragedy saying this was the first fatal accidents in the five years of Gemins operations.
He has since sent messages of condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured people a quick recovery.
Mr. Mwamba further paid tribute to government for responding promptly after learning about the accident, saying this had helped to reduce the number of casualties.
He said it was gratifying that the provincial administration moved in quickly after receiving reports of the accidents.
Six people died on the spot when a Gemins Luxury Coach careered off the road, about 50 km from Kasama in the early hours of Wednesday.
This accident, which involved a Mpulungu bound bus from Lusaka, was the second to happened in Northern province within the space of 48 hours.
The first one happened in Chinsali district on Monday morning claiming 19 lives.
ZANIS

32 year old Mpulungu ‘drug trafficker’ gets 3 year jail sentenced

editor
-
3

The Mpulungu magistrate court today sentenced a 32 year old farmer to three years imprisonment for cultivating 1.2 tones of marijuana.

The court sentenced Wisdom Simuyemba of Ntenda Village in Mpulungu after he pleaded guilty of cultivating marijuana, contrary to Zambian laws.

Simuyemba, who was facing two counts, pleaded guilty to both counts and in mitigation asked the court to exercise maximum lenience because he was looking after his siblings whose parents are dead.

He however admitted that he had no right or lawful authority to traffic in and cultivates marijuana.

In the first count, Simuyemba was charged with trafficking in 5.4 kilogrammes of marijuana, a herbal product of cannabis sativa, contrary to section 6, cap 96 as read with statutory instrument number 119 of 1995 of the Laws of Zambia.

He was in the second count charged with cultivating a field of 1.2 tones of marijuana, contrary to section 9 of chapter 96 of the laws of Zambia as read with statutory instrument number 119 of 1995.

Reading the facts before a packed Mpulungu court room today, public prosecutor Oscar Nyambe said on 8th November 2009, DEC officers received information that Simuyemba was dealing in psychotropic substances.

He said two days later, the DEC officers raided Simuyemba’s house in Ntenda village and retrieved a vegetable matter weighing 5.4 kilograms from separate spots in the house. They suspected the vegetable to be marijuana.

Mr. Nyambe said Simuyemba later led the officers to his fields where they uprooted marijuana weighing about 1.2 tones.

He said part of the marijuana found on Simuyemba had since been taken to UTH for laboratory tests and analysis report.

And in passing the sentence, magistrate Miyato Muyambango noted that from the evidence adduced before the court, it was clear that Simuyemba had been trafficking in marijuana.

He observed that drug trafficking cases have become prevalent in Mpulungu hence the urgent need to mete out stiffer penalties to deter would be offenders.

Magistrate Muyambango further said if left unchecked, drug related cases may soon escalate to uncontrollable levels that may pose a danger to the security of the country, especially that Mpulungu was a border town.

He sentenced Simuyemba to three years imprison with hard labor for the first count.

In the second count, magistrate Muyambango ordered Simuyemba to pay K90, 000 or go to prison for six months in default. He said the sentences were to run consecutively.

ZANIS

ZFE condemns KCM strike

Guest Editor
-
10

The Zambia Federation of Employers (ZFE) President George Chabwera has condemned the strike action taken by unionized workers at Konkola Copper Mine (KCM) on the Copperbelt province.

Dr.Chabwera said during a Press briefing in Lusaka, today, that the strike is unZambian as it alarms the nation.
He said reckless behavior by the miners should be discouraged at all costs because it scares away potential investors who want to invest in the country.

Dr Chabwera noted that Zambia desperately needs investment in order to create wealth and jobs for those completing their education.He said ZFE is concerned with the deteriorating industrial relations climate in the country adding that there is need to create good industrial relations to attract investment.

Commenting on the 38 KCM miners who were nabbed yesterday during the strike, Dr Chabwera said miners should not resort to destroying company or private property adding that the strike is illegal and those damaging property will be dealt with according to the law.

Dr Chabwera noted that instead of protesting, miners should have waited for their union leaders to complete negotiations in the remaining three months of the collective bargaining period.

He said workers should concentrate on work and desist from acts of violence as this will not help the country develop and that Zambians should graduate from mere mining to manufacturing using their minerals.

He said that Zambia may not reach the stage of locally using the minerals the country has in manufacturing things if the striking behavior continues. He has since called on the tripartite parties to negotiate freely in order to resolve the outstanding issues.

Unionized workers are demanding better conditions of services and 30% salary and wage increment among other things. The strike entered its fourth day today.

ZANIS

RB and Sata meet in Solwezi

editor
-
62

PF Leader Michael Sata
PF Leader Michael Sata
President Rupiah Banda and Micheal Sata have wished

each other the best in the next Solwezi Central by-elections.

The two leaders met near Solwezi radio station where President Banda was coming from having a live interview.

President Banda implored his counterpart Mr. Sata that as leaders they should teach the young generation not to practice politics of insults but work together.

The two leaders hugged and shared jokes as they chatted on some current affairs.

And PF leader said that they should continue with verbal fight and not fighting with guns and weapons.

The two leaders wished each other the best before parting company.

President Banda is in Solwezi to sum up support for MMD candidate Albert Chifita while Mr. Sata is in the district to sum up support for the PF-UPND Pact candidate Watson Lumba.

ZANIS

The Week in Pictures

editor
-
43

1.

Women singing and dancing to traditional songs in Chama district
Women singing and dancing to traditional songs in Chama district

2.

A guitarist takes a nap after a public performance in Lundazi, Zamba
A guitarist takes a nap after a public performance in Lundazi, Zamba

3.

A young Manchester United football team supporter in Lundazi district is not shy to expose her love for the team even after United's recent loss to Chelsea
A young Manchester United football team supporter in Lundazi district is not shy to expose her love for the team even after United's recent loss to Chelsea

4.

An unidentified man ponders his next move to repair his Datsun car in Chipata district, Zambia
An unidentified man ponders his next move to repair his Datsun car in Chipata district, Zambia

5.

Back to Kaunda days... school children line up the street to wave at President Banda when he visited Kapata market in Chipata district on Wednesday
Back to Kaunda days... school children line up the street to wave at President Banda when he visited Kapata market in Chipata district on Wednesday

6.

An unidentified woman captured listening to proceedings at a public meeting in Lundazi, Zambia
An unidentified woman captured listening to proceedings at a public meeting in Lundazi, Zambia

7.

Oh my knees...President Banda holds his knees before greeting senior chief Kambombo in Chama district, Zambia
Oh my knees...President Banda holds his knees before greeting senior chief Kambombo in Chama district, Zambia

8.

School children display posters to welcome President Banda to Chama district, Zambia
School children display posters to welcome President Banda to Chama district, Zambia

9.

One of the accident victims at Kasama General Hospital. He was on the Germins Bus service where six people died at the spot near Nkolemfumu area in Kasama.
One of the accident victims at Kasama General Hospital. He was on the Germins Bus service where six people died at the spot near Nkolemfumu area in Kasama.

10.

GERMINS Bus registration number GML 30 which careered off the road and rammed in a tree killing six people at the spot near Nkolemfumu village some 15 kilometers from Kasama.
GERMINS Bus registration number GML 30 which careered off the road and rammed in a tree killing six people at the spot near Nkolemfumu village some 15 kilometers from Kasama.

11.

GERMINS Bus registration number GML 30 which careered off the road and rammed in a tree killing six people at the spot near Nkolemfumu village

12.

Czech Republic Zambia-Zimbabwe Ambassador is handed the scissors to cut the ribbon from Inonge Mboo nursing officer during the official hand over of medical equipment at Lewanika General Hospital.
Czech Republic Zambia-Zimbabwe Ambassador is handed the scissors to cut the ribbon from Inonge Mboo nursing officer during the official hand over of medical equipment at Lewanika General Hospital.

13.

Czech Republic Zambia-Zimbabwe Ambassador Dr. Ludek Zahradnicek signing the visitors book
Czech Republic Zambia-Zimbabwe Ambassador Dr. Ludek Zahradnicek signing the visitors book

14.

(Fuel Shortage) Motorist in Mongu queuing for petroleum at Kobil filling station.
(Fuel Shortage) Motorist in Mongu queuing for petroleum at Kobil filling station.

15.

(Fuel Shortage) Motorist in Mongu queuing for petroleum at Kobil filling station.
(Fuel Shortage) Motorist in Mongu queuing for petroleum at Kobil filling station.

16.

An unidentified woman and her daughter selling vegetables and other foodstuffs at Kapapa market in Chipata, Zambia
An unidentified woman and her daughter selling vegetables and other foodstuffs at Kapapa market in Chipata, Zambia

17.

(Mongu Fuel Shortage) Taxi drivers with container waiting for hour fuel at kobil filling station. Picture by ROYD SIBAJENE/ZANIS/MONGU
(Mongu Fuel Shortage) Taxi drivers with container waiting for hour fuel at kobil filling station.

Cholera cases persist in Sinazongwe

editor
-
2

              By Tovin Ngombe

Cholera cases have persisted in Sinazongwe district in Southern province since the disease break out last month.

Sinazongwe District Public Health officer Elias Chilwana disclosed that the number of cumulative cases has reached 30 and one person has since died.

Mr. Chilwana said the cases were being treated at Sinazeze clinic as most people that were being affected were coming within the same area.

However, Mr Chilwana stated that most cholera cases were from Nkandabbwe Collum Coal Mine’s (CCM) shaft two because of the poor environmental hygiene within their mining area.

He said in his letter to the CCM management for shaft two that they have failed to comply with the one week period given to the company to address the issues of environmental hygiene.

The District Public Health Officer noted that the scenario was disturbing as the company has contributed to the spread of Cholera cases resulting from the supply untreated water and their sanitary facilities were of poor design.

In January more than 139 people were affected by the cholera cases in Sinazongwe district resulting in the closure of several Schools as some were turned into Cholera centres.

They have been little sensitization among the people in the district concerning the spread of the cholera cases and from the inception of the first cases results from Maamba Hospital  only showed that it was  diarrhoea and it was only confirmed  to be cholera after several people were admitted.

New Zamtel Owner could threaten existing operators

editor
-
11

       

The Zambia Telecommunication’s (ZAMTEL) new owner could revitalise the company, gaining a 19 per cent share of the mobile market by 2015, up from its current four per cent share.

According to Onda Analytics, obtained by ZANIS today, the privatisation will lead to a major operator taking over Zamtel, providing a serious threat to existing Zambian mobile operators, Zain and MTN.

Interested parties, including MTNL, Telecel Globe (a subsidiary of Orascom), Telkom SA and Vimpelcom officially began due diligence this week.

According to report lead author, Daniel Jones (Partner), “The new investor will have to turn around an operator in crisis.

A strategy along the lines of a new entrant will be needed, as Zamtel has fallen further and further behind in the mobile market.

High mobile tariffs and low penetration in Zambia present an opportunity for the buyer. Aggressive price competition and going after subscribers new to the market will help Zamtel grow its market share and challenge its competitors.

Onda Analytics’ new report considers the strategies that a new owner would  need to adopt  to turn the operator into a significant mobile player in Zambia.

Under the right strategy, Onda Analytics forecasts Zamtel to grow its mobile market share from four per cent in 2009 to 19 per cent by 2015, increasing its subscriber base from 160 000 to 1.8 million.

The report also analyses the strategic importance of Zamtel’s other assets, including its fixed line network and the WiMAX network currently in deployment.

On top of increasing revenues, Zamtel would need to keep a close check on costs. “Zamtel’s bloated cost base, as a result of its large headcount, has led it to insolvency and the current privatisation process” explains report co-author, Tom Harden, Partner at Onda Analytics.

Today, the entire operator’s unionised staff have agreed voluntary redundancy. A massive staff reduction programme would need to be carried out by whichever company takes over Zamtel.

[ZANIS]

Chief Macha scoops award in South Africa

Guest Editor
-
22

Chief Macha of the Tonga speaking people in Southern Province has scooped an African Sanitation Leadership Award in South Africa.

The award follows the traditional leader’s outstanding commitment to promoting good sanitary standards in his chiefdom.
The event took place during the Second African Week Conference on Sanitation at Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa. Chief Macha attended the conference and received the award.

And Zambia’s High Commissioner to South Africa Leslie Mbula has commended the Chief for being the first recipient to be awarded an African Sanitation Leadership Award for his role in promoting good sanitation and hygiene practices among his subjects.

Mr. Mbula says Zambia is humbled by Chief Macha’s recognition beyond Zambia’s borders and that government feels extremely proud.
He thanked the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) for nominating the traditional ruler to receive the top prize in the leadership category.

Mr. Mbula said this in a press statement made available to ZANIS in Lusaka today signed by his Second Secretary for Press Phillip Chirwa.

Mr. Mbula made the remarks at the occassion on Wednesday.He urged other royal establishments not only in Zambia but through out the African continent to emulate Chief Macha.
He stated that the recognition of Chief Macha was not about prestige but a call to duty and service for the betterment of the welfare of the people who had entrusted their leaders with the responsibility to preside over their affairs.

“Zambia remains committed to implementing the February 2008 Thekweini Durban Declaration that seeks to assist African countries to accelerate and achieve national and regional goals on water, sanitation and hygiene. These efforts deserve commendation because they are in the best interest of improving the living standards of our people,” Mr. Mbula said.

And the organizers of the award described Chief Macha as a major force and driver of change in the implementation of community-led Total Sanitation not only in his chiefdom but also attained Open Defecation Free status which authorities in Choma district and the province as a whole appreciated.

Chief Macha’s efforts on sanitation coverage doubled from 50 to 100 percent at household level in less than two years. He came up with a deliberate slogan, “One Family, One Toilet’ that saw government adopt the Make Zambia Clean and Healthy campaign that is designed to improve sanitation across the country.

In receiving the award, Chief Macha said he is humbled and privileged to see his efforts in championing good practices in his chiefdom being recognised beyond Zambia’s borders.

“This award does not belong to me alone as a traditional leader, I only played an influential role and I thank my people and all those who helped and supported me for without them I wouldn’t be getting this award today,” Chief Macha said in a statement.

ZANIS

President Banda urges Solwezi to vote for Chifita

editor
-
14

 

President Rupiah Banda has urged the Solwezi electorate to vote for the ruling MMD candidate Albert Chifita, in the Solwezi Central constituency by-elections on November 18 , next week.

President Banda said  in Solwezi at a public rally at Kimasala Basic School ground to drum up support for the MMD candidate Mr Chifita.

He appealed to the Solwezi residents who turned up in numbers for the rally to give Mr Chifita a chance to continue with the work left by the late member of parliament Ben Tetamashimba.

“I want Mr Chifita to join our MMD team, please give him to me so that we can continue with the work our late brother left.” He said.

The seat fell vacant owing to the  death of the  Member of Parliament Ben Tetamashimba, recently.

The PF/UPND pact is fielding Watson Lumba, Forum for Democratic Alternative (FDA) is fielding Muhammed Kalela while Thomas Kafula will stand as an independent candidate.

President Banda has further assured the people of Solwezi that the contentious road that goes to Chavuma would be completed.

He also charged that the opposition PF leader Michael Sata who has been criticizing his government that they are not working, was in government before and for a long time but did not do anything for the people.

And former PF Secretary General, Edward Mumbi charged that PF leader Sata was a pathological liar who should not be trusted.

Mr Mumbi said that those who know him like himself know that he could not be trusted because of his lies.

“Sata is a pathological liar, those who don’t know him, do not know this. The man cannot be trusted.”He said.

He said that he resigned from the PF because of Mr Sata’s undemocratic tendencies and the opposition leader’s lack of respect for others.

[ZANIS]

UN declares July 18 Mandela Day

Guest Editor
-
9

Nelson Mandela
The United Nations General Assembly has declared that 18 July of each year is to be observed as Nelson Mandela International Day with effect from 2010.

This declaration was arrived at after the Assembly came up with a draft resolution A/64/L.13 entitled “Nelson Mandela International Day” on November 10th, 2009.

This is according to a statement released to ZANIS,signed by First Secretary for Press at the Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, Moses Walubita

The resolution recognizes Mr Mandela’s leading role in the support for Africa’s struggle for liberation and contribution to the creation of a non-racial and democratic South Africa.
The resolution also recognizes South Africa’s first black President’s values and his dedication to the service of humanity.

Mr Mandela President served humanity in the fields of conflict resolution, promotion and protection of human rights as well as uplifting poor and underdeveloped communities.

Introducing the draft resolution , Permanent Representative of South Africa Baso Sangqu thanked in particular the Heads of State and government of the Non- Aligned Movement(NAM) member states for their support and endorsement of the initiative.
He also gave a brief account of Mr. Mandela’s struggle during the days of apartheid and his leadership through South Africa’s most terrible and triumphant times.

Meanwhile, Zambia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Lazarous Kapambwe also welcomed the declaration of Mandela day saying that Mr. Mandela has done a lot and therefore deserves what is due to him.

Mr. Kapambwe said that Mr Mandela is a world treasure and Zambia was proud to be one of the co-sponsors of the resolution declaring 18 July, his birthday as Nelson Mandela Day.

ZANIS

Weekend Football Fixtures

sports
-
3

Here are the football fixtures for the weekending November 14-15.

FIFA 2010 World Cup Group C Qualifiers

14/11/2009

Kigali

Rwanda- Zambia (KO: 15:30)

Cairo

Egypt- Algeria (KO:19:30)

Faz Premier Division

Week 28

14/11/2009

Lusaka Dynamos – Konkola Blades
Chambishi – Nakambala Leopards
Zesco United – Zanaco
City of Lusaka – Red Arrows
Kabwe Warriors – Roan United
Young Arrows – Green Buffaloes

15/11/2009
Choma Eagles – Zamtel
Power Dynamos – Forest Rangers

Debating with HH would demean the President’s status-Shikapwasha

editor
-
75

President Rupiah Banda, Tanzanian Jakaya Kikwete and UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema at the Lwiindi Gonde traditional ceremony in Monze.
President Rupiah Banda, Tanzanian Jakaya Kikwete and UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema at the Lwiindi Gonde traditional ceremony in Monze.
THE Government has said President Rupiah Banda and

Vice-President, George Kunda cannot be subjected to a debate with United Party for National Development (UPND) president, Hakainde Hichilema because that would demean their status.

Chief Government spokesperson, Ronnie Shikapwasha said in a statement yesterday that it would be wrong for the president to reduce himself to the level of Mr Hichilema, a deputy leader of a political party grouping that had no developmental agenda except lies and insults.[quote]

He said it would be extremely demeaning for President Banda or Mr Kunda to accept the challenge by Mr Hichilema to a public debate organised by the Press Freedom Committee of The Post newspapers, which was openly biased.

He said Mr Hichilema was just a deputy leader of the PF/UPND Pact and was too low to spar with the head of State or his deputy.

Time for debates would come during 2011 elections and Mr Hichilema would be given an opportunity should he manage to unseat Patriotic Front leader, Michael Sata from the PF/UPND Pact.

“It will also be totally illogical for the ruling party that won presidential elections a year ago and has more than 50 per cent seats in the National Assembly to test its popularity by debating with Mr Hichilema,” he said.

What should concern Mr Hichilema was not who between him and the president was popular but how popular he was within his party and the PF/UPND Pact.

The opposition leader should be concerned about the many UPND supporters that were leaving his party because he had aligned it with the PF which people disrespected for its dictatorial style and violence.
[Times of Zambia]

Fuel shortage blown out of proportion — RB

editor
-
62
(Fuel Shortage) Motorist in Mongu queuing for petroleum at Kobil filling station.
(Fuel Shortage) Motorists in Mongu queuing for petroleum at Kobil filling station.

PRESIDENT Rupiah Banda has accused some people with vested interests in the fuel procurement process of blowing the current fuel shortage Zambia is experiencing out of proportion.

Mr Banda said in Chipata that Zambia had been experiencing some difficulty in the procurement of the fuel but that the Government was trying to improve the flow of fuel in the country.[quote]

“Some people who are making noise on the fuel crisis have vested interest in the procurement of fuel and they want to create a wrong impression of the matter,” the president said on a recorded programme aired on Radio Breeze in Chipata yesterday.

The president acknowledged that Government alone could not run Indeni Refinery following the pulling out of Total and called for a partnership.

Mr Banda said the disbanded Taskforce on Corruption spent US$30 million trying to recover about $500,000 alleged to have been stolen by former president,Frederick Chiluba.

“Already we have spent more than we are trying to recover and I cannot allow my Government to spend another $15 million on the matter just to satisfy a quarter of the people who were calling Mr Chiluba a thief before he was proven guilty,” Mr Banda said

The president denied playing any role in the acquittal of Dr Chiluba.
Mr Banda said the Taskforce was disbanded because it was spending more money than it wanted to recover.

He said he had allowed the three arms of Government to work independently and at no time would his Government interfere in the operations of the three institutions.

The president said his Government had allocated more money than before in this year’s national Budget to the office of the Auditor-General and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to strengthen the two institutions.

He said corruption had become so sophisticated that there was need to train more officers in this area to curb the vice.

The president said there was need to regulate the operations of the Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and defended the passing of the NGO Act.

On the regulation of the media, the president said he would like to see the media regulating themselves and the Government would only come in to regulate if the media failed to do so.
[Times of Zambia]

UNICEF notices reduction in HIV infections in Zambian adults

editor
-
3

The United Nations International Children’s Education Fund (UNICEF) has observed that the increasing of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV access to anti-retroviral drugs and effective behaviour change have effectively helped Zambia in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

UNICEF Deputy Representative Elspeth Erickson said this could be evidenced by the reduction in new HIV infections among Zambian adults.

Ms. Erickson said this in Lusaka at the launch of MTV’s “SHUGA” and its Ignite campaign aimed at educating Zambian audiences on the prevention of HIV/AIDS.

Ms. Erickson said MTV has a huge social marketing expertise in targeting HIV/AIDS prevention and information for people to change their behavior and make right choices.

She cited multiple concurrent partnerships as one of the issues which should be fought because it was negatively affecting the fight against the pandemic.

Ms. Erickson noted that a new government report has revealed that for every 100 new HIV infections, 71 are estimated to arise from sex with a non- regular partner and 21 per cent of new infections are estimated to occur in people with only one partner.

She said this calls increased advocacy efforts to consistence condom use and encouraging faithfulness to only one partner.

ZANIS

1...5,1225,1235,124...5,645Page 5,123 of 5,645

Company

Trending

Categories

© Lusaka Times