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Two families fight at the burial ceremony

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A fight ensued in Lusaka yesterday at the Old Leopards Hill cemetery when family members to the deceased person differed over the appearance of their relative’s body after body viewing.

Relatives to the late Mary Banda descended on their in-laws from Central Province.

It is alleged that Mrs Banda, 41 years who died in the early hours of Tuesday this week, June 9 was beaten by her husband, Royd Kembo.

Trouble started at the church procession at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross when body viewing was conducted. It was at this point that the relatives to the deceased became incensed with the appearance of their relative.

At the Old Leopards Hill cemetery, Mrs. Banda’s relatives demanded that another body viewing be conducted before burying but Royd’s relatives objected and insisted that the burial ceremony should instead proceed.

But Mrs. Banda’s relatives said they will not bury until a postmortem is conducted amid shouts from their in-laws that the body of the deceased was cleared upon collection at the B-3 funeral (Home) parlour and subsequent church service.[quote]

A ZANIS crew that rushed to the Old Leopards Hill cemetery found the two families embroiled in the fracas.

A check revealed that Royd’s family had been thwarted from handling the burial procession and the deceased’s family had taken charge.

Narrating the ordeal, Monica Mwale, sister to the deceased claimed that Mary suffered injuries after her husband beat her up because the late was allegedly bleeding from the nose and ears.

“My sister was beaten by her husband. We want to know the truth to what killed our relatives. We don’t know what we are mourning because… and why is Royd’s family objecting to conduct a postmortem?” she asked.

Fanwell Mwale, another relative to the deceased accused Royd’s family of not being supportive at the funeral.

But Elvis Kambanya, brother to Royd in an interview challenged Mary’s relatives to prove who certified the alleged beatings.

Mr. Kambanya dismissed the allegations as unfounded and that there was no police report to justify the claims.

He regretted that the funeral was marred with disagreements between the two families.

“Let them tell us who certified that my sister-in-law, Mary was beaten by her husband. Because what I know is that the doctor certifies the body while a postmortem is conducted by the doctor and the police,” Mr. Kambanya dared.

The couple had four children.

Police Service Spokesperson Bonny Kapeso when contacted for a comment over the matter stated that he has not received the report.

Mr. Kapeso said police could only act upon receiving a complaint and advised people to desist from taking the law into their own hands.

ZANIS

Cane Growers funds street lighting at over K216m

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Mazabuka Cane Growers Association has spent over K216 million on street lighting since the commencement of the project five years ago (2004)in the district.

Association Chairperson David Clayton disclosed this during the official launch of street lighting project from Great North Road to Nakambala market yesterday.

Mr Clayton pledged continued collaboration with the Council in developing Mazabuka District and stated that the association has in the past worked in partnership with the local authority on a number of projects such as the grading of feeder roads and the construction of a mourner’s shelter.

The Association,he disclosed is currently constructing an Ablution block at Turnpike Police Check point and renewing road markings around the town centre.

During the same launch, Mazabuka Mayor Shadreck Mwiinga says the newly installed Street lights will boost business at the market and enhance security around town.

Mr Mwiinga has also assured the Association and the community that his office will ensure that money meant for such projects is fully accounted for as a way of promoting accountability and transparency in the district.

He further appealed to all Mazabuka residents to guard the street lights jealously and exercise citizen arrest on whoever will be found wanting.

And Dathan Muleya a Mazabuka charcoal trader has welcomed the development stating that the newly installed street lights will reduce theft and risk of people doing business during the night.

Muleya further appealed to the Cane Growers Association to put up lights even in the compounds in order to enhance the beauty of the town.

ZANIS

Chalala, Kamwala South, Libala south residents promised water

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Lusaka Water and Sewerage Company says water will soon be connected to Kamwala South,Chalala and Libala South once the service lines are in place.

Speaking in an interview in Lusaka yesterday, Mr. Mwale said the named places have had no water because the service lines were either not in place or have not been connected.

Mr. Mwale says it takes only 21 days to have water connected in a place where there is a network, adding that people in these areas should report to Lusaka Water and Sewerage company if they need to have their service lines connected.

However, he said some residents in the same areas have water regardless of the whole area not having the commodity because they have had their service lines connected.

Mr. Mwale said his company is ready to meet the residents’ needs saying it would be ideal for the to consult the company on the right procedure to follow when having water connected in their homes.

Some residents have expressed concern that since they do not have bore holes they are subjected to drawing water from their neighbours at a fee saying a lot of money is being spent on water.

One of the residents, Regina Banda expressed sadness at the water utility company for not connecting the commodity saying she has been in the area close to three years but there has been no water in her home.

She further complained of long distances where they draw water saying the charges on the commodity make it difficult to conduct chores at home.

ZANIS

Neonatal complications cause 40 % of under-five deaths

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The ministry of Health says about 40 per cent of children dying below the age of five years die of neonatal complications, which accounts for two thirds of infant mortality in Zambia.

According to a recent Zambia demographic health survey, the maternal mortality rate is now at 591 deaths per 100,000 live births, a significant improvement from the previous 729 deaths.

Acting Minister of Health Mike Mulongoti said there was need to train community based human resources and increase the use of health facilities for emergency obstetric care in order to have a positive effect on people.

Mr. Mulongoti was speaking at the launch of the integrated maternal, neonatal and child health project in Lusaka today.

He pledged government’s continued support in promoting development partners who initiate interventions that contribute to its efforts.

He stressed the need to strengthen and support outreach services through mobile health services to ensure that safe motherhood was recognized as a basic right of women.

Mr. Mulongoti said women have the right to receive comprehensive reproductive health care, family planning, nutrition and basic health services.

He further noted that access to essential obstetric services was limited in developing countries, adding that building a functional referral to obstetric services can reduce maternal mortality.

He said the need for concerted efforts by all stakeholder and partners to join efforts can enhance maternal, neonatal and child health in Zambia.

And AfriCare country representative Gordon Brown said Zambia needs to have an under five mortality rate of 64 deaths per 1,000 live births by 2015 which is a 60 per cent reduction from the current levels.

Mr. Brown stressed that the AfriCare project in rural communities will assist in the promotion of maternal, neonatal and child health through the improvement of health seeking and care giving behaviour among pregnant women and caretakers in all the districts.

He however said his organisation will work diligently to promote the sustainability of community based maternal, neonatal and child health services in working with safe motherhood action groups.

ZANIS

Northern Province Chief issues customary land for school project

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A traditional leader in Luwingu district in Northern Province has released over 40 hectares of customary land to spearhead the construction of a new high school in Lupososhi constituency.

The land is earmarked for the construction of school infrastructure to include classroom blocks, staff houses, science laboratories, office block among others at an estimated cost of over K30 billion.

Chief Chabula of the Abena Mukulu clan in Lupososhi constituency released part of the land to spearhead the construction of a school in his area.

This came to light when Government officials among them, Luwingu District Commissioner, George Mwamba were in the area to monitor and inspect government projects being implemented in Lupososhi constituency.

He expressed happiness with the manner in which the traditional ruler has acted to see to it that a portion of land for the construction of the school in the area has been released.

“I am a proud man to see that this land has been released for the construction of second high school in my district and that the contractor has also started mobilizing materials and work force. This is encouraging,” he said.

And the District Commissioner said the school infrastructure which will be built adjacent to Nsombo (A) Basic School will cost the government over K30 billion for the construction of class room blocks, staff houses, science laboratories , office block and other buildings such as ablution blocks.

Mr. Mwamba said that the facility will be also connected to a thermal electric power supply which will be constructed on the same site.

He however appealed to the Government to consider linking the area to the national grid because it would be much cheaper as compared to thermal power which uses fuel to operate.

Others who were in Lupososhi constituency included, District Administrative Officer, Mwape Mumbi, District Education Standards Officer (DESO), Oscar Emmanuel Ntenga and the District Livestock Officer a Mr. Musenga.

Meanwhile the project has cheered many Lupososhi constituency residents saying the construction of the school will go a long way in alleviating transport costs when schools open, incurred by pupils to and from Luwingu and other districts where the high schools are situated.

And on the site where the project is earmarked for construction, senior chieftainess Chungu, Chief Katuta and Sub-chief Mutondo expressed disappointment for the area which has been chosen for the project.

The three chiefs suggested that the school should have been constructed in chieftainess Chungu area which is more central in Lupososhi constituency as this would have catered for pupils from chief Katuta, Tungati Mwenda and Chabula respectively.

Meanwhile, the people in Nsombo area said they are happy with the Government for embarking on developmental projects in the area especially in the education sector and the rehabilitation of Luwingu – Nsombo and chaba road

And the DESO, Mr. Ntenga said Government has funded a total of 14 community school projects with a committment of over K2.1 billion in both Lubanseshi and Lupososhi constituencies of Luwingu district.

He said the three (3) schools namely Chifumo, Sokontwe, Kabala, have received K180 million each for the construction of one by three class room block while Masonde, Muchishe, Matafwali, Chisense and Sakeni have been allocated with K120 million other are Witwishika and Chambo respectively.

Mr. Ntenga said what the community needs to do is to contribute upfront materials such as moulding of bricks, ferrying of both building and river sand, crushed stones, gravel and water delivery to site.

He said the construction of good and habitable schools in remote areas will greatly improve the learning environmental by the pupils and improve standards of education in the projects catchments areas.

He said the team visited the projects as part of their normal duties of backstopping development programmes in the district.

Meanwhile, the team retrieved the keys from the casual workers who locked up a one by three class room block (1×3 CRB) following non-payments of their dues after completion of construction works.

The casual workers locked the class rooms and demanded to be paid K4, 250, 000 for the works done at Nsombo (B) middle basic school which the office of the district board secretary has failed.

It took the senior government officials a tough time to convince the casual workers who strongly opposed surrendering the keys until their demands were met. The DC cautioned the casual workers that their action was tantamount to espionage and carried a stiffer penalty.

The casual workers had to hand over the keys despite not been paid their money but threatened to use witchcraft to eliminated who ever is still holding on to their dues.

ZANIS

Illegal schools in Lusaka to face Council’s wrath

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Lusaka City Council (LCC) has reiterated its warning against closure of illegal schools in the capital city.

Council Public Relations Manager Chanda Makanta bemoaned the proliferation of illegal schools in Lusaka.

But Mrs Makanta who could not disclose the number of illegal schools in the city disclosed that the Council has so far closed some describing the process as ongoing.

In an interview with ZANIS in Lusaka yesterday, Ms. Makanta said that it was unfortunate that people did not want to follow legal procedure when opening new schools.

The Council Public Relations Manager advised people with plans to open new schools to use legal means.

She observed that most people who have opened schools illegally in Lusaka have done so because they think it was much cheaper than using lawful means through to the Council.

Ms. Makanta said the local authority wants all illegal schools closed citing poor sanitation among other anomalies at the institutions.

She further urged members of the public to report illegal activities to the local authority adding that the Council would not hesitate to act.

She admitted that the Council does not have enough resources to be everywhere and pounce on illegal schools hence the need for members of the public to assist by reporting.

ZANIS

Former State House Press Aide, Richard Sakala acquitted

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Former State House press Aid Richard Sakala is interviewed by reporters after he was acquitted by the Lusaka magistrate Court
Former State House press Aid Richard Sakala is interviewed by reporters after he was acquitted by the Lusaka magistrate Court
The Lusaka magistrate court has acquitted former State

House Press Aide, Richard Sakala, who was facing corruption charges.

Mr. Sakala was in court for abuse of authority of office and obtaining execution of a valuable security by false pretences.

His co-accused Nelly Mwila who was charged with one count of forgery of a document, namely a deed of transfer has also been acquitted.

Magistrate Sharon Newa ruled on Thursday that the prosecution team failed in all the three counts to prove their case beyond any reasonable doubt.

And Mr. Sakala told Journalists shortly after his acquittal that he is happy that the courts have vindicated him.

Mr. Sakala also disclosed that he has sought judicial review in the high court over his earlier jail term, which he served.

In the first count, it was alleged that Mr. Sakala, as Chairman of the Presidential Housing Initiative-PHI- offered Emmanuel Chibwe the house at stand number 4314, Kapumpe Road in Woodlands.

This was at a price of K24 Million instead of K40 Million.

The state had argued that the K16 Million discount was prejudicial to the rights or interests of the government.

In the second count, Mr. Sakala was accused of obtaining execution of a valuable security by false pretences.

[ZNBC]

Zambia is among the most stable investment destinations in Africa – Taima

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Commerce Trade and industry Deputy Minster Richard Taima says Zambia still has a lot of investment opportunities that should be explored by investors.

Mr. Taima says government is hence committed to playing a leading role towards efforts aimed at attracting more investment in the country.

Speaking in Lusaka today when a 12 member Germany Business delegation called on him at his office, Mr. Taima said government considers foreign investment as one of the most important sector that is supplementing its efforts especially in job creation.

Mr. Taima noted that Zambia is a growing economy that requires a lot of investment in its different economic sectors.

He further added that owing to its political stability that encourages more investors, Zambia has remained one of the most stable investment destinations in Africa.

He pointed out that the country’s investment environment has also continued to improve hence attracting more foreign investment in the country.

Mr. Taima disclosed that this is why government has put in place intervention plans that are targeted at creating a favorable environment for doing business for investors in all sectors.

He added that specific areas such as the Tourism and the Mining sectors have also been identified to assist government in creating employment opportunities for local people.

The Minster further added that government has also reduced the number of business licenses for prospective investors from about 500 to 300 in a bid to create a more competitive investment industry in the country.

Meanwhile, Mr. Taima has expressed concern that despite all these interventions in place by government some sectors of the economy have still not attracted many investors.

He cited the Education and Energy sectors as some of the sectors that need to be marketed if they are attract more investment.

And Germany’s Ambassador to Zambia Irene Henrichsen , who led the delegation, said despite the current global economic crisis there is need for economic growing countries to continue attracting more investment.

Dr. Henrichsen explained that there is no need for countries in the world to change or transfer their investment potentials that can disturb their economic growth in the wake of the crisis.

She said this why new investment plans in all sectors should be embraced if diversification is to be enhanced.

Dr. Henrichsen explained there is also need for Zambia to ensure that all its economic key sectors are covered when encouraging investors in the country.

The 12 member delegation is in the country to hold a series of meeting with key economic players such as the Zambia Development Agency and the Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry among other organizations.

ZANIS

RB undergoes a minor operation in South Africa

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PRESIDENT Rupiah Banda clad in shorts chats with Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Li Quiangmin in Mfuwe during his December retreat in 2008
PRESIDENT Rupiah Banda clad in shorts chats with Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Li Quiangmin in Mfuwe during his December retreat in 2008

President Rupiah Banda has undergone a successful minor orthopaedic procedure for a knee problem that had been troubling him in recent days.

Medical doctors in South Africa who conducted the operation on the President’s right knee say it was very successful.

State House Press Aide, Dickson Jere, said in a statement that the President is expected to make complete and full recovery within a short period of time.

He said Mr. Banda is expected to be discharged from hospital on Thursday after taking the recommended hours of rest after the operation.

President Banda is in South Africa to attend the World Economic Forum on Africa.

[ZNBC]

Govt challenges UNZA to produce fully baked human resource

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Government has challenged the University of Zambia (UNZA) School of Agriculture to adequately train agriculture personnel that will contribute effectively to the development of the country’s agriculture sector.

Agriculture Deputy Minister Albert Mulonga says there is need for the higher learning institution to rise to the challenge of boosting the country’s agriculture sector by training the much needed human resource that will contribute meaningfully to the growth of the sector.

Mr. Mulonga was speaking at the official hand-over ceremony of the Omnia Lecture Theatre to the UNZA School of Agriculture in Lusaka today.

He said as the country continues to suffer from the challenges of the global economic downturn, there was an urgent need to train more qualified agricultural personnel in the areas of crop, livestock production and agricultural economics in order to fully develop the country’s agriculture sector.

Mr. Mulonga has since challenged the University of Zambia to develop the adequate and appropriate human resource that will help the country to move forward through the high yield of agriculture products.

Meanwhile, University of Zambia Registrar Dr Albert Ng’andu has called for the continued working collaboration with Omnia Zambia Limited with a view to sustaining a conducive learning environment for students pursuing agricultural studies.

And Omnia Zambia Limited Managing Director Berti Serfontein pledged his company’s continued assistance to the development of the country’s agriculture sector by helping the country in the implementation of the various agricultural programmes.

ZANIS

Farmers in rural areas exchange crops for beer

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Government has called on farmers not to abuse the Fertilizer Support Programme (FSP) and other food security programmes as they are meant for the farmers’ benefits.
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Sport, Youth and Child Development Minister, Kenneth Chipungu, says farmers should take advantage of such programmes to grow more crops for household and national food security.

Mr. Chipungu, who is also Rufunsa Member of Parliament, was speaking when he officiated at the Bunda-Bunda block agriculture and commercial show in Chinyunyu today.

He said government officials are saddened that a number of small-scale farmers, especially those in rural areas, where selling the agricultural inputs provided to them through programmes such as the FSP and other food security programmes.

Mr. Chipungu said it is also unfortunate that some farmers were selling agricultural inputs in exchange for beer.
He said it is regrettable that such farmers experience a food deficit and end up appealing for relief food from government.

Mr. Chipungu has also asked the farmers not to sell their entire farm produce as there is need to keep enough for domestic consumption.
He however said those wishing to sell their farm produce should sell to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) and avoid being swindled by unscrupulous businessmen.

And speaking earlier, Bunda- Bunda Show Society Vice Chairperson, Andrew Daka, lamented that farmers in the area were being exploited by commercial grain buyers.

Mr. Daka called on the FRA to introduce satellite depots in the area so that farmers can sell their crops at a reasonable.

ZANIS

Zambian Embassy in US to host Special Libraries Association international reception

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Lubuto Library Project in Kamwala
Lubuto Library Project in Kamwala
Dow Jones & Company, a news corporation company and the

Lubuto Library Project has announced that it will hold this years Special Libraries Association (SLA) international reception at the Zambian Embassy in the United States of America on June 15.

This is according to a press statement by First Secretary for Press at the Zambian Embassy in United States of America, Ben Kangwa.

The reception sponsored by Dow Jones will take place during the SLA annual conference at the Walter E. Convention Centre in Washington DC from June 14-17 2009.

Dow Jones is a leading provider of global business news and Information services.Its Consumer Media Group publishes The Wall Street Journal,Barrons Marketwatch and the Far Eastern Economic Review.

In recognition of SLA’s global support in launching the Lubuto Library Project in Zambia,Zambian’s Ambassador to the USA Dr. Inonge Mbikusita-Lewanika has welcomed Dow Jones to host the SLA’s centennial International Reception at the Zambian embassy,to celebrate SLA member’s support for the Lubuto Libraries.

The Lubuto Library project is an initiative, in cooperation with local governments,which provides library services,literacy skills targeted programs and educational growth opportunities for vulnerable sub-Saharan African children.

“Dow Jones continues to support the Lubuto Library Projects mission to bring literacy and hope to Africa’s most vulnerable children,” Anne Caputo,Executive Director of Learning and Information Professional Programs for DowJones and SLA President elect has said.

Anna Caputo said the initiative not only supports children in developing their talents skills and self esteem but also connects North American and European volunteers and students with their African peers through community service.

Both Ambassador Mbikusita-Lewanika and Dow Jones Executive Vice President Clare Hart serve on the Lubuto Advisory Board.

Ndola guards killed as Police fail to show up due to lack of fuel

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Robbers yesterday morning killed two security guards in Northrise residential area in Ndola in a failed attempt to steal from the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church.

One of the guards was hacked to death at the SDA Church between Nyimba and Lupili roads and the other one was beaten to death and dumped in a furrow on Lupili Road.

One of the residents, Vester Mangani, said at the scene that she and her family heard a person screaming for help around 01:00 hours and called the police.

“The police replied that they could not come because they had no fuel in their cars,” Ms Mangani said.

She said the family found the body of one guard in the furrow in the morning and alerted other neighbours.

The body of the other guard who was hacked to death was found in one of the shelters at the SDA Church where he worked.

SDA caretaker, James Mumba, said in an interview that he found the body at 07:15 hours when he reported for work.

Mr Mumba said the doors to the church were tampered with but that the thieves did not enter.

He said there was another attempt to steal from the church on June 1 this year and that bandits had been terrorising residents in the area.

A Times of Zambia reporter found the body of the guard with a deep cut on the head still lying in a pool of blood as a horde of residents jostled to have a glimpse.

The hacked guard identified as Wishcot Phiri was an employee of Blessings Security Company.

Blessings Security director, Lesley Munyama said Mr Phiri was assigned to guard at the SDA Church.

The other deceased guard whose body was found in the furrow wore the Boundary Security Company uniform and had deep cuts on the face.
Residents took advantage of the presence of the Ndola deputy police chief Anderson Chengo at the scene to complain about lack of security in the area.

The residents said they were not able to move freely after 19:00 hours because there was a group of bandits that was attacking and stealing from people.
Mr Chengo said a police post was being constructed in the area and it was near completion.
[Times of Zambia]

‘Rebel’ MPs distance themselves from the abduction of two PF members

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Patriotic Front (PF) members of parliament attending the National Constitutional Conference (NCC) have distanced themselves from the recent beating and abduction of two PF members.

PF Spokesperson for MPs attending the NCC Peter Machungwa said the group has decided to state its position because the party leadership has remained silent since the incident happened last week.

Speaking during a media briefing in Lusaka today Mr. Machungwa, who is also Luapula Member of Parliament, said the party is expected to condemn the culture of violence.

He said it is unacceptable to beat and harass people that hold different view points in a political system that is democratic.

Mr. Machungwa said it is unfortunate that violent acts and harassment of people with different views have continued to characterize the opposition political party.

He noted that intolerance to different opinions must not be condoned by Zambians irrespective of their political affiliation as it can breed anarchy in the country.

And the Spokesperson for PF MPs attending the NCC has expressed concern at the utterances by PF leader Michael Sata about their membership to the party.

Mr. Machungwa said the utterances are unacceptable and tantamount to contempt in view of the injunction order issued to the MPs by the Supreme Court.

He stated that all the PF MPs attending the NCC are still by law members of the opposition party following the court injunction granted to them after expulsion from the party.

Mr. Machungwa said it is unfortunate that the party leadership has continued to publicly shun and declare them as non PF members.

He also called for change of the draft PF party constitution alleging that the current party constitution is undemocratic and despotic.

Mr. Machungwa has further called on the party leadership to hold a national conference to enable the party change its leadership.

The opposition Patriotic Front last year expelled 26 of its Members of Parliament for defying the party leadership’s position to attend the NCC.

However the Supreme Court granted 26 Mps an injunction restraining the opposition party from expelling them.

ZANIS

Zambia posts significant gains in the fight against HIV/AIDS

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United Nations (UN) Special Envoy for HIV and AIDS in Africa, Elizabeth Mataka, says tremendous progress has been made in the fight against HIV and AIDS on the African continent.

Mrs Mataka says a number of countries have scaled up their ARV programmes and other HIV preventive and life-prolonging interventions in the fight against the pandemic.

The UN Special Envoy said this during a media briefing on the sidelines of the on-going World Economic Forum on Africa in Cape Town, South Africa, today.

Mrs Mataka cited Zambia and Botswana as some of the countries in southern Africa that have posted significant gains in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

She said it was encouraging to note that the HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in Zambia recently dropped from 16 per cent to 14 per cent, a result of a sustained and aggressive effort by the government, co-operating partners and other stakeholders.

Mrs Mataka also commended the Zambian government for widening access to ARVs from 2,000 beneficiaries about five years ago, to the current 200,000 people.

She, however, stressed that the HIV/AIDS scourge remains a mammoth challenge on the continent and called on leaders to honour the pledges they made at the Abuja Summit to commit more resources to the health sector, HIV/AIDS in particular.

Mrs Mataka, who is also Executive Director of the Zambia National AIDS Network (ZNAN), on the other hand, expressed happiness that none of the international co-operating partners have rescinded their financial commitments to the fight against HIV/AIDS despite the biting global economic crisis.

“The HIV/AIDS pandemic, especially in sub-Sahara Africa, is still a serious concern to the United Nations. But we are comforted by the fact that none of our co-operating partners have reneged on their financial commitments despite the prevailing global financial meltdown,” said Mrs Mataka.

She also called on African countries to embrace male circumcision as an integral part of strategies in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Mrs Mataka said there is compelling evidence that male circumcision is a significant deterrent in the spread of HIV/AIDS.

She noted with happiness that a number of countries on the continent, including Zambia, are coming up with policies on the implementation of male circumcision.

Mrs Mataka said she is aware that consultations are underway among various stakeholders in the country on the policy before it is finally rolled out.

Meanwhile, in a significant move from research on male circumcision to full scale implementation, the Male Circumcision Partnership is launching a massive scale-up of voluntary male circumcision services in Swaziland and Zambia.

The partnership is supported by a five-year US$ 50 million grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to Population Services International (PSI), a leading global health organisation.

In a statement released by PSI at the on-going World Economic Forum on Africa in Cape Town and obtained by ZANIS today, the male circumcision partnership programme in Zambia and Swaziland also builds upon the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.

Cited by both the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNAIDS as an important intervention, male circumcision reduces HIV/AIDS infections among men by 60 per cent, according to scientific research.

ZANIS

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