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Govt committed to reduce malaria rate by half by 2010

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Government says it is committed to achieving the Role Back Malaria goals of reducing the pandemic by fifty percent by 2010 in line with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Health Minister Kapemba Simbao said in view of the Sociol-economic impact of malaria, the Fifth National Development Plan (FNDP) focuses on the eradication of malaria as one of the key health priorities.

Mr Simbao said the country has already attained the Role Back Malaria Goal as stipulated in the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines.

He was speaking when he officiated at this year’s commemoration of World Malaria Day held at Mbinga Rural Health Centre in the outskirts of Katete Boma, in Katete today.[quote]

Mr Simbao said according to the WHO news release of April this malaria deaths reported in Health facilities have declined by 66 percent.

” Our ultimate goal is to attain a malaria – free Zambia and what we have done so far is a remarkable achievement, ” he said.

Mr Simbao noted that Zambia was one of the countries that attended the 2000 Abuja summit in Nigeria where it was a signatory to the declaration to ensure that 60 percent of people had access to cost-effective and affordable anti-malaria drugs.

He however expressed concern that most of the people who owned Insecticide Treated Mosquito Nets (ITNs) only slept under them the first day they acquired them adding that according to 2008 malaria indicator survey about 41.1 percent of children aged between zero and 59 months slept under a net the night before the survey, while 43.2 percent of pregnant women did the same.

” We must not just implement interventions but regularly assess our performance to determine if we are achieving the desired impact and using resources in a cost-effective manner,” Mr Simba said.

He said government was committed to ensuring that malaria control measures were intensified in the country.

The health minister said it was the reason why his ministry was providing ITNs and tools to diagnose malaria besides prevention measures for pregnant women were scaled up.

He said he was happy that the availability for the effective drugs for the treatment of malaria had greatly improved adding that people should not lose their lives as a result of malaria because the drug were easily accessible and free of charge in all health institutions.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief of Mission at the United States of America (USA) Embassy, Michael Koplovsky challenged all communities to have a role to play in the fight against malaria.

Mr Koplovsky said malaria caused Africa to more that K70 trillion every year in terms of treatment and there was need to have a call to action.

” Zambia and USA are looking into this to prevent and treat malaria where the In house Residual Spraying (IRS) to prevent malaria was done to 670,000 house in Zambia to protect more than four million people from the disease,” he stated..

Mr Koplovsky added that despite using ITNs and spraying people needed to be diagnosed on malaria every time they had a fever if the country was to count malaria out as per this year’s theme states.

And World Health Organisation Country Representative Dr Olusegun Babaniyi commnded government for drawing near to the MDGs number five and six that aimed at reducing malaria by 2015.

Dr Babaniyi added that Malaria prevention and reduction has been a success in the country because of government’s consistence in programs stipulated in the National Strategic Plan.

ZANIS/DM/SM/ENDS/MM.

African Finance ministers welcome G-20 commitments

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African Ministers of Finance have welcomed the commitments made by G20 nations at their London Meeting, recently.

The ministers have also hailed the prompt action by International Finance Institutions (IFSs) to step up concessional and other financial support for developing countries.

Speaking at a press briefing jointly with his Niger counterpart Ali Mahamanein Washington on Thursday, Finance and National Planning Minister Stumbeko Musokotwane said the African Ministers stressed the need for rapid fulfillment of the commitments made.

He however noted that the commitments fall short of the needs of low income countries.

Dr. Musokotwane said African Ministers of Finance reviewed progress in implementing the HIPC and MDRI initiatives.

He noted that there were a lot of challenges that remain if countries are to benefit fully from the initiatives including increasing participation by all creditors in the initiatives.

The Ministers also reviewed tackling the problems of litigation by vulture funds, maintaining debt sustainability less vulnerable to future shocks and changes in financing conditions.

Staff from the Zambian Embassy in Washington DC led by Ambassador Mbikusita Lewanika would be joining the Zambian delegation at the meeting.

During the meeting the Finance Minister and his delegation would also take part in various discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank (WB).

He is also expected to attend the bilateral and multilateral meetings with two institutions.

This is contained in a press release signed and made available to ZANIS in Lusaka today.

ZANIS/AJN/ENDS/MM

Govt reitterates its committment to work with the church

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Government has reiterated its commitment to work closely with the church to foster national development.

Chief Government spokesperson Ronnie Shikapwasha said this is because the church has always advised government on a number of cardinal issues.

Lieutenant General Shikapwasha, also Information and Broadcasting services minister, said this at the 10th anniversary of Christian Faith Mission Church (CFMC) in Lusaka today.

He said it was for this reason that the church was invited to deliberate at the National Indaba on the way forward on the economic crisis the country was experiencing.

Lt.Gen Shikapwasha said government will always value the all the counsel and advise that the church gives to the government.

He said government working hand in hand with the church would help in the development of the country.

The Chief Government implored the church in the country to play a leading role in unifying the people of Zambia.

He also said the church was aware of government’s efforts in the fight against poverty and other vices in the country.

Meanwhile, Christian Faith Mission Church founding President Peter Chanda says there is need for all stakeholders in the country to unite in order to find the way forward on the current social- economic crisis the country was experiencing.

Pastor Chanda said there was need to come together and build the country regardless of one’s political and social status.

ZANIS/AJN/ENDS/MM

The Breath of God

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Today’s Scripture

“[It is] the Spirit of God that made me [which has stirred me up], and the breath of the Almighty that gives me life [which inspires me]”
(Job 33:4, AMP)

Today’s WORD from Joel and Victoria

In Genesis, the Bible tells us that God breathed life into Adam. Not only does God breathe life into our physical bodies, He breathes life into our dreams and desires. He breathes new life and inspiration into your heart. I believe, even right now, He’s breathing a bigger vision into your spirit. One scripture says, “It’s not by our might. It’s not by our power. But it’s by the breath of Almighty God.” As God breathes on your life, things are going to get easier. Negative situations are going to turn around. You’re going to have wisdom beyond your years. You’re going to have a resolve that will not give up, an attitude that refuses to quit.

Everywhere you go, you need to imagine the most powerful force in the universe is blowing in your direction. Believe that His favor and inspiration are on your life. Look for those opportunities that God will use to take you further than you dreamed. As you trust that God is breathing in your direction, you’ll see His hand of grace and favor moving you forward in victory in every area of your life!

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, thank You for breathing in my direction. Thank You for giving life to my dreams, hopes, and desires. I trust that Your favor is working on my behalf. I give You glory for every good thing in my life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Zanaco Cut Forest to Stay Top at Dola Hill

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Zanaco stayed top of the Faz Premier Division table for a third straight week after an emphatic 4-0 away win over Forest Rangers at Dola Hill in Ndola this afternoon.

Wedson Nyirenda’s side move up from 10 to 13 points, one less than Green Buffaloes who replaced Forest in second place after they beat Nakambala at home this afternoon.

Allen Mukuka put Zanaco ahead in the 8th minute before this seasons top scorer Patrick Kabamba scored his 6th league goal of the season in the 20th minute.

Midfielder Jack Chileshe joined Kabamba on six goals when added two more to after the break to see Zanaco stay unbeaten in their last five successive league games.

At Woodlands Stadium in Lusaka, Buffaloes defeated Nakambala Leopards 2-1.

Just half-way across town in Lusaka at Queensmead Stadium, City of Lusaka’s early good form continued when they  beat hosts Lusaka Dynamos 1-0 thanks to a Kennedy Chola goal in the 33rd minute.

However, Dynamos could have equalized in the 66th minute had Katongo Chalwe’s penalty kick not been saved.

City are 4th and three points behind leaders Zanaco following their away derby win.

Elsewhere, Roan United beat Red Arrows 1-0 at Kafubu Stadium in Luanshya, while Konkola Blades and Chambishi played out to a 1-1 draw at Konkola Stadium in Chililabombwe.

Power Dynamos continued to slip off the pace after a bright start earlier in the season when Zamtel now coached by a former Arthur Davies icon in the form of Linos Makwaza beat them 2-0 at Musa Kasonka Stadium in Ndola today.

Chris Mwamba and Isaac Nyirenda were on target for Zamtel in the 15th and 21st minutes respectively.

The victory handed Makwaza his first league win in charge after two draws and a defeat since taking charge of Zamtel four games ago.

And at Nkoloma stadium in Lusaka, Kabwe Warriors beat hosts Young Arrows 2-1.

Meanwhile, Zesco United and Choma Eagles match was postponed due to the formers late arrival on Thursday from their Caf African Champions League engagement away to Malian club Djoliba.

[leaguestandings league_id=1 mode=extend logo=false]

CB MMD warns new Radio Icengelo station manager

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The MMD on the Copperbelt have appealed to newly appointed Radio Icengelo station manager, Wilbroad Mwape, to preach peace and reconciliation in the country instead of pursing a political agenda like his predecessor, Father Frank Bwalya.

MMD Ndola district information and publicity vice secretary, Alex Mubanga said in an interview in Ndola yesterday that it was not encouraging to note that Fr Mwape has already allegedly started getting involved in politics, despite the earlier advice given to him by the Ndola Dioceses vicar-general to speak against injustices.

“We are getting worried as a party in the district because Fr Mwape has already started behaving like his predecessor Fr Frank Bwalya in terms of speaking against Government leaders. Let him play his role as a priest and station manager and not getting involved in politics,” Mr Mubanga said.

He said the party would not entertain Fr Mwape to attack Government leaders unnecessarily like his predecessor.

Mr Mubanga said the Catholic Church should play its role of preaching peace and love among political leaders for the benefit of the country.

“Our appeal to Fr Mwape is not to be swayed by politics and attacks on Government but to use the church and the radio station to preach peace and love among politicians for the benefit of the country,” he said.

Mr Mubanga said the people on the Copperbelt hoped that the radio station’s new manager would not pursue a political agenda like his predecessor, but would use the station for the benefit of the Catholic Church and the community in the province.

He was reacting to Fr Mwape’s calls on Vice-President George Kunda to resign for allegedly having supported Ms Siliya’s alleged abuse of office.

Fr Mwape said Mr Kunda should resign on moral grounds for having defended Ms Siliya who was later found to have breached the constitution by the tribunal set up to investigate the alleged abuse of office.

[Zambia Daily Mail]

Magande annoys Teta

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Benny Tetamashimba
Benny Tetamashimba

THE ruling MMD has asked former Minister of Finance and National Planning Ng’andu Magande to immediately stop making unwarranted statements about the resignation of former Minister of Communications and Transport, Dora Siliya.

MMD chairperson for information and publicity, Benny Tetamashimba, said in an interview in Lusaka yesterday that it is unfortunate that Mr Magande can ask a fellow parliamentarian to resign when he is not a spokesperson for the party or the National Assembly.

“We are advising Magande to keep quiet because he is not the party spokesperson. He isn’t even spokesperson for Parliament. Who is he speaking for?” Mr Tetamashimba, who is also Minister of Local Government and Housing, asked.

He said it was unthinkable for Mr Magande to ask Ms Siliya to resign as a member of Parliament (MP).

Mr Tetamashimba said Mr Magande should have been the first to resign after information surfaced that he allegedly supported an attempt to bail out the defunct Zambian Airways.

“He, therefore, cannot condemn Ms Siliya. Infact, he failed to bring votes for President Banda during last year’s elections in his constituency. So, he should keep quiet,” Mr Tetamashimba said.

Mr Magande, who is Chilanga MMD Member of Parliament was yesterday quoted in The Post newspaper as having demanded the resignation of Ms Siliya as an MP.

He was reported to have said Ms Siliya cannot continue to hold her position in Parliament.

Mr Magande was also quoted as having said that President Banda should not have accepted Ms Siliya’s resignation as Minister of Communications and Transport because he is still studying the findings of the tribunal.

He said as an MP and Cabinet minister, Ms Siliya swore to uphold the constitution.

Mr Magande said if Ms Siliya committed an offence against the constitution, she could not hold a position in a place where the constitution was paramount law.
[Zambia Daily Mail]

Going to Zambia empty handed

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Dear Womba,

Big sis how are you? Hope your trip to Zambia was nice. I’m really dreading the day I go visit again. Going to Zambia has become a complicated affair!

Last time I went, I bought few chocolates and toys for our brothers kids and clothes for mum and dad. After all I’m only entitled to 20kg on the plane.

A few days after I arrived Dad took me to visit our uncle Robert. I thought they would be happy to see me( being their favourite niece and all ) but instead I got lectured about how stingy it is not to buy presents for your relatives. His wife, who had enthusiastically come to greet me quickly excused herself when she realised I hadn’t bought them clothes. I had R250 in my purse which I gave to uncle out of guilt. That was like adding fuel to a fire. It was only worth something like K160 000 which isn’t worth much!( I didn’t realise the kwacha has little buying power- my bad!)

Thankfully dad sensed the tension and we left. Then our brother Clinton came with his wife and 4 kids to see me.I proudly produced the chocolates and toys I had brought. His wife asked why I had bothered buying the same chocolates they have in Shoprite! Clinton also asked he could have my Motorola cellphone. If I was a white person they would have noticed how flushed my face was becoming. Later that evening when mum suggested we go visit our grandparents I broke down. I obviously hadn’t bought gifts for them.

I had traveled to Zambia because I missed being home and missed the family. Instead from the moment I had arrived everyone was looking at me expectantly to see what gifts I had bought.The relatives hardly asked how I was. These are people I missed dearly and couldn’t wait to talk and laugh with again. How am I supposed to clothe the entire clan just because I live abroad? Sissy I felt like I don’t belong there anymore and I also don’t belong abroad ,so where do I belong?

Forgive my emotional outburst but that was my experience. On a lighter note I told my Nigerian friend about it and she said ” Sista, you have to go with 62kg luggage when you go back home. No relative cares about you going to see them, there are enough eyes seeing them back home.They care what you bring!
bye for now

Linda

Allow your workers to express their rights through May Day celebrations – Kafue DC

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Kafue District Commissioner Winford Ngoma has called on the public and the private sectors to ensure that they allow their employees to actively participate in this year’s Labour Day celebrations on May 1st.

In an interview with ZANIS today, Mr. Ngoma said whilst the country was facing economic problems as a result of the world recession, there was still need for workers to be allowed to participate in the celebrations so that they express their views on what they are going through.

He said companies in the district should not use the world recession as an excuse for failing to allow their workers’ participation in the celebrations.
He explained that most companies in the district were operating fairly well and budgeting for their workers should not be a problem.

Mr. Ngoma said his office will do a roll call then take action against companies that will fail to participate in the celebrations.
He also called on companies fond of participating in the Lusaka celebrations to this year join their colleagues in Kafue district.

He said it was prudent that workers rights and job security are assured by them participating in the celebrations.

Mr Ngoma noted that preparations for this year’s celebrations in Kafue have reached an advanced stage and that these are being spearheaded by the labour movement in the district.
He said, so far, his office is happy with the relationship it has developed with the unions.

Meanwhile, the District Commissioner has urged the Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia management to fully utilize funds government has released for rehabilitation, transparently and accountably.
He said it was important that NCZ shows government it is responsible and can account for the money even though it is not much.

Mr. Ngoma has urged management to also ensure workers at the plant participate in the celebrations for Labour Day.

ENDS/ZANIS/BS/KAFUE

PF welcomes ANC victory in SA elections

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The Patriotic Front (PF) says the much awaited victory of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) in South Africa is a true sign of the people’s will.

In an interview with ZANIS in Lusaka yesterday, PF spokesperson Given Lubinda said the South African election had an impact on everyone living in the sub-Saharan region .

Mr. Lubinda observed that the aspect of shortage of ballot papers at most polling stations is not a good thing considering the fact that South Africa has one of the heaviest investments in terms of human and economic resources in Southern Africa.

He, however, said the incident should not be seen as a plan by the ruling party to rig elections as such things do happen.

He said the win by the ANC is a welcome thing considering the fact that the elections were free and fair and that the will of the people must be respected by all peace loving south Africans despite their different races.

Mr. Lubinda said the people of South Africa have expressed their will and decided that Jacob Zuma should govern the country. He said the region should, therefore, respect the election of Jacob Zuma as new South African President.

He expressed happiness at the manner in which the general election was conducted and that South African’s still have confidence in the ruling ANC. He added that it is a good thing that the National Prosecuting Authority has cleared Zuma of all his charges.

ENDS/ISS/PK/ZANIS

Government motor cycle stolen at gun point

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Suspected armed robbers have stolen a Suzuki Motor Cycle TF 125 valued at K 19.5 million belonging to the department of Agriculture in Chongwe district.

District Agriculture Coordinator (DACO) Charles Simulunda disclosed the theft of the motor cycle to ZANIS yesterday.

Mr. Simulunda said the motor cycle was snatched at gun point last Thursday from one of his officers in Kanakantapa area. He said the matter has been reported to police in the district to hunt for the suspected robbers.

The motor cycle was bought for the department by Japan International Agency (JICA) for use under the Food Crop Diversification Support Project (FoDiS) and is the third motor cycle the department has lost in similar circumstances.

ENDS/MN/CMM/PK/ZANIS

NCZ management Team fail to explain the viability of their company

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Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia (NCZ) Managing Director, Richard Soko, and his delegation were on Friday turned away by the Parliamentary committee on Agriculture for failing to respond to queries.

Committee Chairman, Request Muntanga, directed Mr. Soko and his team to go and prepare details sought by the committee.

This was after Mr. Soko’s delegation failed to ascertain the amount of money required to fully recapitalise the fertiliser plant which is currently non-operational.

Mr. Muntanga was also displeased by the delegation’s failure to determine the anticipated production levels and profitability once the plant is fully recapitalised.

The NCZ delegation was consequently directed to re-submit its report on Wednesday next week.

The Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture and Lands is currently receiving submissions from stakeholders on the viability of the Fertiliser Support Program.

It is also looking at the status of the fish population in Zambia.
[ZNBC]

Global economic crisis won’t halt government programmes-PS

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Lusaka Province Permanent Secretary says the economic effects of the global financial meltdown should not ground to halt the developmental programmes which government is currently implementing in the country.

Mr. Stephen Bwalya says government has since committed itself to putting in place effective measures that are aimed at cushioning the effects of the global economic crisis.

Mr. Bwalya was speaking when he opened the first quarter of the Provincial Development Coordinating Committee (PDCC) meeting held at Sandy’s Creations in Lusaka today.

He said government will remain committed to ensuring that the country emerges strong against the financial crisis in line with the guiding programmes of the Fifth National Development Plan (FNDP) and the Vision 2030.

Mr. Bwalya said government will take advantage of the country’s abundant natural resources to answer to the various challenges associated with the economic crisis.

And government has released K27.5 billion in this year’s national budget for the implementation of developmental programmes in Lusaka Province.

Mr. Bwalya said the funds will give impetus to efforts aimed at implementing the other remaining development programmes that the province was undertaking.

Mr. Bwalya cited the proposed Multi-Facility Economic Zone (MEFZ), the construction of the Provincial General Hospital and the implementation of the Luangwa and Chongwe Integrated Development Plan as some of the key programmes that the province was undertaking.

He further disclosed that K2 billion has been released in this year’s budget for the construction of ring-roads in the province.

Mr. Bwalya has since urged the private sector and other stakeholders to come on board and complement government’s efforts of enhancing development in the country.

ZANIS/JT/TK/KSH/ENDS

Cattle rustlers invade Southern Province

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FARMERS in southern province have called on government to address the spate of criminal activities involving cattle rustlers who have invaded the province.

Farmers in Namwala, Choma, Kalomo, Monze and Mazabuka registered their complaint to minister of agriculture in charge of livestock and fisheries, Bradford Machila, when he toured the province.

The farmers in the five districts noted that cattle rustling has become rampant, thereby posing a threat to the livestock sector.

Both commercial and small scale farmers called to state police protection for their livestock and the crime in cattle rustling has reached unprecedented levels and become a serious concern to livestock farmers.

The farmers noted that the proliferation of illegal abattoirs have also necessitated the upswing in cattle rustlings.

And responding to the plight of farmers Mr Machila noted that his ministry will soon arrange a meeting with the Ministry of Home Affairs to curb cattle rustling in southern province.

Mr Machila assured the farmers that his ministry will ensure that the pieces of legislation on sentencing cattle rustlers are revisited during the forthcoming sitting of parliament to deter would-be offenders.

Mr Machila disclosed that his ministry will check abattoirs operating as cooperatives, verify the documents and deregister illegal ones that have proliferated the vice.

The minister was in Southern Province to get first hand information from farmers in the livestock sector at the invitation of the Zambia National Farmers Union president Jervis Zimba.

ZANIS/ENDS/LK/EB

Chungu denied bail

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Former intelligence Chief, Xavier Chungu, has been denied bail in the case where he is charged with forgery and altering false documents.

Lusaka magistrate,Joshua Banda, ruled on Friday that Mr Chungu cannot be granted bail because he breached trust by jumping the previous one.

Magistrate Banda however granted Mr. Chungu leave to appeal against the ruling.

The case has been adjourned to April 30 for continued trial.

Chungu is alleged to have altered details on his passport, the document he used to travel back home from where he was hiding abroad.

He is also facing other charges related to plunder of national resources.
[ZNBC]

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