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Suspended Itezhi-tezhi District Council Secretary sues Council

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Suspended Itezhi-tezhi District Council Secretary Levy Nachome has sued the Itezhi-tezhi district council for reinstatement to his former position as Council secretary.

According to writ of summons placed before Namwala Mobile magistrates’ court, Mr. Nachome who has also appealed to Provincial Local Government Appeals Board for reinstatement is asking the magistrates court to order the Itezhi-tezhi District Council which suspended him in January 2008 to reinstate him as council secretary for falsely accusing him of stealing K600, 000 from the council coffers when he allegedly awarded himself a contract to transport election materials in 2006 tripartite elections.

His asking for reinstatement comes eight months after he was acquitted of the charge of misapplication of funds in which the prosecution failed to provide evidence in the misapplication of funds case last year in August.

Mr. Nachome also dropped his suing of the Itezhi-tezhi District Council for defamation[quote]

Levy Nachome was last year suspended together with two other council financial officers namely Caiaphas Chelebela, Council Treasurer and Felix Kalandambinga,assiatant accounts officer on allegations of misappropriation of funds some of which are alleged to be for the DANIDA- supported Rural Water and Sanitation Programme.

The revelations of the alleged financial scandals at Itezhi-tezhi district council under his leadership last year compelled Danish International Development Programme (DANIDA) to freeze funding to the rural water and sanitation programme.

The Rural Water and Sanitation Programme is a programme aimed at improving the water supply and sanitation in rural parts of Itezhi-tezhi district by drilling new boreholes and repairing non-functional pumps.

About 18 boreholes were planned to be sunk under the DANIDA funded programme last year but revelations of alleged financial scandals have delayed the resumption of the programme.

ZANIS

Kafue records low cases of malaria

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A district health inspector in Kafue district says the use of insecticide mosquito nets and spraying of houses has greatly contributed to the reduction of malaria admissions in the district.

Kafue District Health Inspector Libandila Mulambwa says this year’s parasitological survey conducted in Kafue has revealed that very few people have the malaria parasite in their blood following tests conducted at clinics.

Mr. Mulambwa attributed this to the usage of and acceptance of insects treated nets which is a good preventive measure of malaria.

He however noted that the ministry is still facing challenges with the indoor residual spraying exercise were some residents complain of skin irritation once their house is sprayed and inconvenience of shifting of household property whenever they are about to spray inside a house.

Mr. Mulambwa was speaking at a meeting held to form a District Malaria Commission organized by Kafue District Health Management Team (RDHMT) held at Highway Lodge in Kafue today.

Mr. Mulambwa further said a survey conducted to categorize mosquitoes in April this year in some parts of Kafue town and Chilanga’s Freedom township revealed that 1% of these were Anopheles mosquitoes that cause malaria and 99 percent were Culex mosquitoes that do not cause malaria.

He noted that these findings show that very few mosquitoes which cause malaria were present in Kafue, a development the district can boost of as an achievement towards the fight against the disease.

ZANIS

ARVs have helped stabilize HIV/AIDS rate in Zambia – Chirwa

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National Aids Councils (NAC) has said Anti-Retroviral (ARVs) drugs have helped stabilize HIV/AIDS rate in the country.

NAC Director General, Ben Chirwa said it is difficult these days to identify one who is infected with HIV and AIDS from the one who is not.

Dr. Chirwa attributed the new development to the intake of ARVs by those who are infected.

He said some years ago HIV and AIDS people were associated with loss of weight and other symptoms which is not the case today.

He noted the statistics were showing that more people were getting infected and less were dying because of ARVs.

Dr. Chirwa said the strategy which was supposed to be adopted was to break the cycle of infection through HIV patients being open to talk.

And Dr. Chirwa said that government was committed to funding AIDS programs in the country.

He said government was commitment to funding HIV programs through procurement of treatment for the HIV patients.

ZANIS

Teta orders Ndola City Council to curb illegal Plot allocations

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lt-teta00Local government and housing minister Ben Tetamashimba has directed Ndola City Council to curb illegal land allocation.

Mr Tetamashimba said the council should carry thorough investigation in cases of illegal allocation of plots allegedly by some Councilors and Resident development Committee officials and bring the culprits to book.

Mr. Tetamashimba gave the directive during the installation of new Ndola City Council Mayor Charles Chiwaya and his deputy John Chanda yesterday at the Civic Centre lawn.

He said all the Resident Development Committees (RDC) which would be found wanting should be dissolved and the culprits should be dealt with in accordance with the law.

He said government was happy with the role the integrity Committee was playing in fighting corruption in the allocation of plots in Ndola.

The minister said the integrity Committee formation at local authorities was a government initiative which must be supported by all stakeholders in the interest of national development.[quote]

He said land management did not fall within the mandate of individual councilors and RDC officials because it was not part of their job description to do so as individuals.

He called for hard work, diligence, transparency and honesty in the execution of duties from all local authorities in the country so that people could enjoy a better service from the Councils.

He reiterated the call that Government wanted to operate on a Zero-tolerance to corruption of any form and anyone found in the neighbourhood of corrupt practices should be dealt with in accordance with the law.

He said all councils that were not working in line with government’s resolve on zero-tolerance to corruption would be punished by government because the people of Zambia expected to enjoy a better service from their local authorities.

ZANIS

Former Mkushi Council Secretary nabbed for graft

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Former Council Secretary Rodger Musonda has been jailed for two years for corrupt practices and forgery.

Musonda, was yesterday 27th May, 2009 convicted and sentenced to jail by Mkushi Magistrate Betty Malupenga.

The sentences will run concurrently with effect from 27th May, 2009 and Musonda has since been imprisoned at Mkushi State Prison.

The Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) spokesperson Timothy Moono said this in a statement yesterday.

Musonda who was facing six counts before magistrate Malupenga, was convicted on two counts of forgery contrary to Section 342 and 347 of the Penal Code and sentenced to two years imprisonment on each count.

Further, Musonda was convicted on three counts of Abuse of Authority of Office contrary to Section 37 (2) of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Act and sentenced to one year and six months imprisonment with hard labour on each count.

Musonda was arrested by the Anti Corruption Commission in 2008 and charged with two counts of forgery and four counts of Abuse of Authority of Office.

In the first count, details are that Musonda stood charged with forgery of Minutes of the Special Plans, Works, Water Sanitation Committee in which he had purported that the Committee did meet on 20th September, 2006 when in fact it did not meet. As a result of the forged minutes plots were offered to among other people, himself and his wife Artress Musonda.

In the second count, Musonda stood charged with forgery of minutes of the Special Finance and General Purposes Committee in which case he had purported that the Committee did meet on 15th September 2006 when in fact it did not.

As a result of the forged minutes loans were given to, among other people, himself.

In the third count, Musonda stood charged with abuse of authority of office for giving himself an additional loan of K10million without approval from the Special Finance and General Purposes Committee. He gave himself the loan on the basis of the forged minutes already mention in Court Two above.

In the fourth count, Musonda stood charged with abuse of authority of office for offering plots to, among other people, himself and his wife Artress Musonda at a time when the Ministry of Lands had withdrawn the Land Agency from Mkushi District Council. He offered the plots on the basis of the forged minutes already mentioned in Court Two above.

In the fifth count, Musonda stood charged with abuse of office for applying to himself and personally approving for himself an additional loan of K5million without the Special Finance and General Purposes Committee’s approval or the approval of the Council Chairman.

Magistrate Malupenga found Musonda guilty on the above-mentioned five (5) counts and but acquitted him on the sixth count.
ZANIS

Zambia works on contingency plan for the Health Sector

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The Zambian Government has received letters from Sweden and the Netherlands on delayed funding to the ministry of health following the K10 Billion scam.

Finance Minister Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane says the sum of money withheld is $33 million out of the total donor support of $120 million for the year 2009.

Dr. Musokotwane said this in the capital, Lusaka, Thursday at a joint press briefing with his health counterpart Kapembwa Simbao.

The Finance Minister said government regrets the theft of public funds in the health sector and the impact it might have on the poorest of the poor.

He said the Ministries of Finance and health are currently working on a contingency plan to ensure key health services are provided during the absence of donor support.

Dr. Musokotwane said government will use its own budgetary resources as well as that of co-operating partners who have not suspended their support.[quote]

He said Zambia has agreed to discuss with the embassies of Sweden and the Netherlands to map the way forward beyond investigations already underway.

Dr. Musokotwane said donors have not lost confidence in the manner government is running national affairs adding that delayed funding is only a temporal measure.

And Mr. Simbao said his ministry will run short of K24 billion each month as a result of the delayed funding by Sweden and the Netherlands.

The Health Minister said the worst affected will be district health centres and hospitals as well as HIV and Malaria programmes

[ZNBC]

Sudan Setting an Example

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Sudan profile on the African football scene is set to rise from the ashes its recent war-ravaged past and poor human rights reputation.

The highlight will come in July when Africa largest country will showcase their return to the big stage in when they try to steal the show in the opening phase of this years Caf African champions league group stage.

Sudan will host its first-ever African Champions League local derby between Khartoum giants El Merreikh and Al Hilal to kickoff with a Group A match in the same competition on match day 1 during the weekend of July 17-19.

But in the midst of that,  another double football carnival will ensue from June all through August.

Prior to the African Champions League showdown, Sudan will host this years 10-team Cecafa club championship from June 30 to July 12 .

And in August, Sudan will host the second edition of the CECAFA Under-17 tournament after Uganda pulled out of staging the youth tournament.

Sudan is expected to host both tournaments for a combined sum of a modest US$ 1 million.

Meanwhile, the staging of the two events will act as preliminary dress rehearsals of bigger things awaiting Sudan coming  in another two years.

In 2011, Sudan is set to host the second edition of the Caf African Nations Championship (CHAN).

Sudan will become the second country coming out of a conflict to host the CHAN event after Cote d’Ivoire successfully staged the maiden tournament from February 22 to March 8 this year.

UN Volunteers donate to vulnerable in Sinazongwe

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The United Nations volunteers in Sinazongwe district of Southern province have procured nine hammer mills meant to assist orphans and vulnerable children.

District Aids coordination adviser Lester Nambale said the hammer mills were distributed to the orphans and vulnerable children in various communities from Kafwambila to Chiyabi in Sinazongwe.
The other recipient areas are Siameja, Kanchindu, Ngoma, Sinazeze, Mambova, Sianyoka and Malima.

Mr. Nambale told NAIS in Sinazongwe that his organization has also purchased goats which have since been given to orphans and vulnerable children in a programme known as passing on the gift.

He explained that small livestock such as goats are prolific and will empower the orphans and vulnerable children through the doctrine of passing on the gift.
He urged the communities to follow new agriculture technologies to produce more food and become food secure.

Mr. Nambale pointed out that food production will reduce the impact of HIV/AIDS as households will be self sustainable. He revealed that 44 support groups have been established in the district among the farming households to mitigate the impact of the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

ZANIS

NCC absentees face disciplinary action

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The National Constitution Conference (NCC) has submitted seven names of its delegates to Secretary to the Cabinet Dr. Joshua Kanganja for possible disciplinary action following their absenteeism from the plenary on three consecutive times.

NCC Spokesperson Mwangala Zaloumis explained to journalists during a press briefing that the names have been submitted to Dr. Kanganja to take appropriate action as the appointing authority.

Mrs. Zaloumis said upon confirming the status of the concerned delegates, the Secretary to the Cabinet, working together with the sponsoring institutions, will decide on what action will be taken on the delegates in question.

She said in the interim the seven would not be allowed to attend the NCC deliberations and will not be given any allowances until their case is concluded.

Mrs. Zaloumis explained that the move was taken because the NCC guidelines stipulate that if delegates are absent from the deliberations for three or more consecutive times, the Secretary to the Cabinet, who is the appointing authority should take appropriate action.

Meanwhile, the NCC spokesperson has disclosed that the work of the NCC is now at adoption stage.
Mrs. Zaloumis said the adoption process is being done by a bigger and more widely representative group in conformity with the demands from the stakeholders.

ZANIS/PM/AM/ENDS

Sata warns Tetamashimba

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PF Leader Michael Sata
PF Leader Michael Sata

Patriotic Front Leader Michael Sata has threatened to sue Local Government Minister Ben Tetamashimba over an article entitled TETA “traces” stolen K10 Billion to PF.

Mr. Sata and his party have demanded a retraction and an apology for an article attributed to Mr. Tetamashimbe on the Zambia Watch Dog.

Mr. Tetamashimba has been given seven days in which to retract and apologize or face legal action for libel.

This is according to a letter written to Mr. Tetamashimba by Mr. Sata’s lawyers Ellis and Company.

According to the Watch Dog article, Mr. Tetamashimba alleged that Henry Kapoko, a civil servant linked to the K10 billion scam at the Ministry of health was Mr. Sata’s nephew.

Mr. Tetamashimba was quoted as claiming that Mr. Kapoko used part of the K10 billion he allegedly stole to finance the PF presidential campaign in 2008.

The Patriotic Front Leader in instructing his lawyers, denied being related to Mr. Kapoko or having received any funds for campaigns.

[ZNBC]

Inflation rate up by 0.4 percentage points

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The annual inflation rate has increased by 0.4 percentage points from 14.3 percent in April, 2009 to 14.7 in May 2009.

C.S.O Director of Census and Statistics Efreda Chulu attributed the increase to the rise in the price of some food and non-food products.

Ms Chulu said of the total 14.7 percent annual inflation in May 2009, food products accounted for 7.9 percent, while non-food products accounted for a total of 6.8 percent.

She said the annual food inflation rate was recorded at 16.1 percent in May, which was an increase from15.9percent in April.

She explained that this has contributed to the increase in food inflation where an increase in the cost of white breakfast mealie meal, cereals and cereal products, meat, fish, kapenta, fresh vegetables was recorded.

She however noted that reductions were recorded in the costs of some food products such as maize grain, white roller meal, dried beans, sweet potatoes, shelled groundnuts and fresh fruits.

Ms. Chulu stated that the annual non-food inflation rate stood at 13.3 percent in May, this was an increase from 12.7 percent in April.

She said the annual inflation rates increased for clothing and footwear, rent, fuel and lighting, furniture and house hold goods.

Ms. Chulu said inflation rates increased for medical care, transport, communications, recreation and education.

She said a comparison of retail prices between April and May shows that the national average price of a 25kg bag of white breakfast meal increased by 2.2 percent, from k65, 543 to k 66,970.

She further said the national average price of a 20 litre tin of maize grain declined by 12.4 percent, from K26, 015 to K22,789 and a 25 kg bag of roller meal reduced by 4.6 percent from K54,732 to K52, 202.

She added that the national average price of 1kg of dried kapenta increased by 4.7 percent, from K47, 023 to K49,241, and the national average price of 1kg of tomatoes went up by 24.9 percent, from K3, 204 to K4, 000.

MS. Chulu has also revealed that the total national maize requirement for Zambia during the 2009/2010 agriculture season is 1,747,537 metric tones.

She said it is estimated that the total availability of maize during this season will be 1,950,808 metric tones ,this is up from 1,888,773 metric tones expected to be produced during the 2008 /2009 agriculture season and 62, 035 metric tones carry-over stocks available as at 1st May 2009.

[ZANIS]

Govt releases K700 million for construction of houses in Eastern Province

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Government has released K700 Million for the construction of low cost houses for council officers in Nyimba district in Eastern province.
Acting District Council Secretary Mathinda Chima told ZANIS today in an interview that the funds were released for construction of seven low cost houses to address the accommodation problems that officers are currently facing in the district.
Mr Chima disclosed that the district only has seven low cost houses that have been reserved for senior officers.
Construction works which started earlier in the month, would be complete by August according to schedule.

“There are only seven old houses that were built for messengers when Nyimba was a sub centre for Petauke district before it was established as a district and the same houses have been reserved for senior officer,” he said.

He stated that though there is a critical shortage of accommodation, only seven houses would be built from the resources which were released.
The Acting Council secretary said government officers in the district are faced with a critical shortage of both office and house accommodation.
Mr Chima said the council has already started building the houses which are now at the foundation level.
He said more money would be required to build more houses for the officers and for rent to other people in the district .

Sweden delays release of US$50m to Ministry of Health

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Ministry of health spermanent secretary velepi mtonga talking to reporters on he embezzling of public funds by civils servants at the ministry
Ministry of health Permanent Secretary Velepi Mtonga talking to reporters on he embezzling of public funds by civils servants at the ministry

The Swedish government has delayed the release of US$50 million which was due for disbursement this month.

Swedish Embassy deputy head of mission, Charlotta Norrby, said in an interview in Lusaka yesterday that her Government has not suspended aid to the Ministry of Health but has just delayed the release.

“What we have done so far is that we have delayed our disbursement to the health sector and this means that we are not suspending this for good. We are looking forward to the findings of the final report,” she said.

Ms Norrby also said that the cooperating partners had a fruitful meeting with President Banda on Tuesday regarding the measures Government has put in place to bring to book officers who allegedly stole over K10 billion at the Ministry of Health.

Ms Norrby who is also Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) country director, said donors have been holding informal meetings with Government for almost two weeks and are happy with the measures that have so far been put in place to investigate corruption allegations at the Ministry of Health.

“We have been holding meetings with Government informally for almost two weeks and yesterday (Tuesday) we met the President and had very fruitful discussions with him,” she said.

Ms Norrby said the donors are impressed with the work being carried out by the Anti Corruption Commission and the Auditor General’s Office so far and are looking forward to seeing the results of the investigations at the Ministry of Health.

She said the Swedish Government is waiting for Government to do its work within its timeframe but is eager to see the results of the investigations as soon as possible.

Ms Norrby also said Sweden is concerned about the negative impact the delay in [quote]disbursing funds to the Ministry of Health may have on the lives of ordinary citizens.

“Of course we are concerned about the impact this may have on the lives of ordinary people just as Government is. That is why we want this to move as quickly as possible,” she said.

Ms Norrby said Sweden is ready to continue supporting the health sector in Zambia and it has continued to support other sectors like agriculture and energy which are not affected by the delay in disbursing funds.

And Ms Norrby said donors are ready to financially assist the Ministry of Health and the Auditor Generals’ Office if they make a formal request to enable them clear the alleged corruption mess at the ministry.

[Zambia Daily Mail]

When secrets can not be hidden Part 3

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jesus_holding_lady_in_tears_By Indi
continued from part 2 All of this time, my heart was crying out to be loved and accepted, but there was no way I was going to believe that I ever would be. I was damaged inside and I could not stand myself. My world was filled with all the lies from my childhood and my present life showed the results. I had lost so much sleep from wishing… “if only I could turn the hands of time back”.

I became bulimic, I wanted to punish myself for what had happened to me. I remember one day arguing with my sister over my new found diet. She asked me, why was I so angry all the time? She also told me, my new diet was killing me. I told her I didn’t care and I saw no purpose in being alive. No one seemed to care if I was even alive other, than my family. As she left my room, she told me to turn to Jesus with whatever was eating me up, that church was not a bad idea. I almost jumped at her for saying that because by now I thought every abuser hid in the church just like my uncle and his wife. They made sure they went to church EVERY time there was a service.

In the months that followed, I hit rock bottom, so I decided to go to[quote] the store to buy myself something for my Bulimia. As I stood in store, I could hear

a man talking to some teenagers about the Love of Jesus over in the next aisle I overheard the whole conversation and was struck by how he talked about God
with such happiness, pride and love. As soon as the boys left, that he was talking
to, I suddenly was standing there gazing at him and wondering was it all true? I went up to him and asked him to tell me if what he said about the Holy Spirit was
real.

For some reason I was not scared of this man. He answered my questions and told me that God really loved me. At these words, I broke down in tears. I did not care who was watching but I cried…. not because I remembered my past, but because I realized that there must be a God out there for me. Then he asked me something that threw me off balance. He asked me if I died today, did I know for sure where I would go? Was it Heaven or hell? I had for a long time decided I wanted to die but I never asked myself where I would go after death. I never answered his questions, I knew in my heart that I had to fill the desperation I felt inside. The man gave me his wife´s contact number and said to call and talk with her some more.

I did not immediately call his wife. My mind was still wondering if it was possible that I would live the new life….. accepted, forgiven and loved?? I finally called her after a month and we began to meet regularly for Bible studies. It was not easy.

She started to tell me that God loved me and He sent His Son Jesus to die for me. Yet in my mind, there was no way I was going to believe that. That I was here for a purpose as Jeremiah 29 verse 11 says. “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

When she began to tell me how all have sinned and are separated from God, I just thought, I was more than separated, I was very far away from God. In fact I just thought God must have forgotten I existed. What plan would God have for me when my life was so messed up?

She told me she could see that I was asking “why me, God?” She asked “is it because something has happened that caused you to feel somehow singled out? Perhaps you feel that God must be punishing you for some reason. Why else would this be happening to you? Be assured, You are not alone. God has not abandoned you and He has not singled you out for bad things, no matter how you feel right now. Whatever you are going through, God’s promise is that He will see you through and give you the strength and direction you need. Indi, you cannot enjoy life without Jesus. You need to stop fighting.” I was in tears as she went on………..

Psalm 38:10 Described my life everyday in my misery:
“My heart throbs, my strength fails me; And the light of my eyes, even that has gone from me.”

But these Scriptures give me HOPE and they are not just for me, but for anyone who asks Jesus into their heart to be their Lord and Savior. God’s promises are for HIS People; HIS Children:

1. Psalm 29:11
The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace.
2. Psalm 31:2
Turn your ear to listen to me; rescue me quickly. Be my rock of protection, a fortress where I will be safe.

3. Psalm 31:4
Pull me from the trap my enemies set for me, for I find protection in you alone.
4. Romans 8:28
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

5. John 10:10
The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

The desperation I felt inside made me give into my fight and ask the Lord to come into my life after many months and years of searching. I went home feeling free and even though it was difficult for me to admit it, God had a purpose for me.

My life had been marked by abuse, anger and depression and unfortunately those things didn’t disappear overnight. God was and is no magician. It has not been easy to forgive what my abusers took from me. I missed out on being a child and having a childhood. There are times when the memories of those dreadful years flood me that I begin to beat myself down and the anger floods me, but I have to take it all to God in prayer. God has blessed me in many ways, I am alive and healthy, I am no longer Bulimic, I have a wonderful Husband and a precious child of my own. I have a chance to make a positive living through what happened to me.

I have had to take baby steps to healing, Part of that healing has been through the counseling that I am going through today. Talking about it has made a huge difference in my life. I have never got my revenge on my uncle and his wife but I believe that God will certainly bring them to repentance. My family only recently came to know of my abuse, and it has not been an easy thing but I am glad that there are no more secrets to be hidden. As painful as it was to finally “speak” about the things that happened to me, I felt like a burden has been lifted off of my shoulders to tell my story.

Daily reading the Word of God and believing that it was not my fault that I was abused has become a part of me. Even though I wish I had grown up with a different life, I have come to accept that I am a Survivor of Sexual Abuse.

Like I said earlier in my story, I have learned now what I should have learned a long time ago, to Love myself, to forgive and to accept that I can and deserve to be loved..

Lastly,……..I never wish for anyone to go through what I went through. As a child, I tried to tell someone I thought I could trust about my abuse, but she refused to accept it and punished me for it. I would like to encourage all those that are in similar positions to talk to someone trusted, someone that will respect the trust, seek help and believe in yourself as a survivor.

To those that can make a difference, help us stop all forms of abuse.

Every parent or guardian can help stop and fight abuse.

* Let your children know that you are always there to protect them and that there is nothing to be afraid of.

* Let the children feel that you love them and care for them.

* Never rule everything as a lie. Examples include a child might say to you that they do not want to play at So and So’s place because of some ghost or something scary. Go check it out or stop them from going there.

* If a child can write or draw, give them paper for all their secret stuff or scary things assuring them that you will not invade their secrecy unless they want you to look at the drawings later when they are not around….this can be a great start.

* Go with them to every doctors examination.
* Never react in anger to what they tell you.

Govt committed to increase ART centers – Simbao

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Governments says it is committed to increase Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) centers in the country.

Minister of Health, Kapembwa Simbao said the government was also determined to improve the already existing ART centers for more access of services in the country.

Mr. Simbao said this in a speech ready on his behalf by Copperbelt Permanent Secretary Villie Lombanya at opening of the 7th general Assembly of the Network of Zambian people living with HIV/AIDS (NZP+) at Savoy hotel in Ndola.

He said government was using innovate ways of improving access and services through mobile ART clinics.

He noted that government has also come up with Citizen Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) in which people with HIV were covered as vulnerable.

Mr. Simbao said some chapters of the NZP+ have been linked to local business skills and thereby improve their business skills and improve their income generating ventures.

He added that another area that requires tackling was alcohol and drug abuse in relation to HIV and AIDS as it reduced compliance rates in people living with HIV and AIDS and breeds drug resistance.

Mr. Simbao also noted that the number of people receiving Anti-retroviral drug had also increased from 149,199 in 2007 to 206,000 in 2008.

Speaking at the same development, Miriam Banda, who is the NZP+ Chairperson for the Southern Africa region said forbidding HIV people to marry, work and function in society was now optional.

Ms Banda said this has been made possible through the decentralization to the network.

ZANIS

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