HYBRID POULTRY FARM TO EMPOWER RURAL COMMUNITIES IN VILLAGE CHICKEN PROJECT

 

By Daily News Reporter

Hybrid Poultry Farm has launched the African Poultry Multiplication Initiative (APMI), in partnership with World Poultry Foundation. Hybrid is bringing improved village chicken known as Zambro to the Eastern Province through a pilot project in Rufunsa, Nyimba and Petauke.

The aim is to ensure that the rural communities are able to grow for profit by buying and rearing Zambro for meat and eggs, as well as selling them. Zambro offers high nutritional value in protein which will also enrich the lives of rural communities.

And this will also empower women in Zambia with a source of income and nutrition in this project and which is poised for growth and support the expansion of dual-purpose poultry in Zambia.

Hybrid Poultry Farm Zambia Chief Operation officer Arron Banda stated that this project will attain and provide technical poultry management to the people engaged in growing these in the rural areas,

Mr. Banda also highlighted that in the rural areas they is an increase of Village chicken keeping which need to be managed and supported.

And through this project more communities will provide an income and improve the nutrition status of these communities as they will have affordable source of protein derived from the low cost Zambro birds.

He further added that this project will give opportunities to the Small Scale Farmers to access chicks from brooder unites and give them profits, nutrition and income for their families.

And Minister of Fisheries and Livestock Hon Chikote Makozo stated that poultry plays a vital role in the live hood of the communities, and this project will strengthen the livestock subsector through sustainable interventions.

Hon Makozo further said that they is inadequate knowledge on poultry management and vaccination practices among farmers.

And the ministry will ensure that Hybrid poultry farm provides birds which will be pre-vaccinated at the hatchery and specifically bred to thrive in the rural areas environment by providing resilience productivity and sustainability to rural poultry farmers.

So Hybrid Poultry Farm has recruited 73 brooder units and supplied over 20,000 chicks in these three districts, it will also target 200 brooder units, 1000 Small Scale Producers and sale 1,000,000 chicks during the implementation the project.

  

 

INJECTABLE PrEP IS EFFECTTIVE FOR HIV PREVENTION

 

“Injectable PrEP is a safe and effective HIV prevention tool that provides clients with two months of HIV protection between injections.”

By Daily News Reporter

The United States government delivered to Zambia the first shipment of injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medicine for HIV prevention, making Zambia the second country in the world (after the United States) to offer injectable PrEP.

This donation of 14,850 vials of injectable PrEP – called Cabotegravir Long Acting (CAB-LA) – to Zambia’s Ministry of Health will protect 2,000 Zambians against HIV for one year.  CAB-LA is a new HIV prevention method and the Ministry of Health is ensuring that equitable access to both urban and rural populations in Zambia is achieved.

The impact of this donation by US government it represents hope, progress, and a collective determination to create a healthier and brighter for adolescents in Zambia.

It is important that the people at risk of acquiring HIV can choose the HIV prevention method that works best for them and fits into their lifestyle. For those who have trouble taking a pill every day to prevent HIV, this long acting injectable may be a more manageable option.

And this will continue providing services to more than 15 million Zambians, and provides roughly one in every three-kwacha spent nationally on public healthcare.

Through PEPFAR partners with the Government of Zambia on the national HIV response through a broad range of services in HIV prevention, care, and treatment.  Over the past ten years PEPFAR has helped to reduce HIV incidence in Zambia from 72,000 new infections per year to 33,000 per year due to the scale up of HIV prevention interventions like PrEP. 

Just last year alone, nearly 275,000 individuals were initiated on PrEP, with more than 114,000 being adolescents and young people aged 15-24.

And one of the beneficiaries Martha said that “I chose injectable PrEP as my HIV prevention method as it's effective and lasts a long time. Right now I feel so great, I have peace of mind. ” This groundbreaking HIV prevention drug is now available in Zambia, potentially protecting thousands of Zambians from HIV acquisition.

 

4 Steps to Manage Your Diabetes for Life

Step 1: Learn about diabetes.

Step 2: Know your diabetes ABCs

Step 3: Learn how to live with diabetes

Step 4: Get routine care to stay healthy Self Checks of Blood Sugar 

Actions you can take

The check mark marks in this booklet show actions you can take to manage your diabetes. 

Check mark Help your health care team make a diabetes care plan that will work for you. 

Check mark Learn to make wise choices for your diabetes care each day. 

Step 1: Learn about diabetes.

What is diabetes?

There are three main types of diabetes: 

Type 1 diabetes – Your body does not make insulin. This is a problem because you need insulin to take the sugar (glucose) from the foods you eat and turn it into energy for your body. You need to take insulin every day to live.

Type 2 diabetes – Your body does not make or use insulin well. You may need to take pills or insulin to help control your diabetes. Type 2 is the most common type of diabetes.

Gestational (jest-TAY-shun-al) diabetes – Some women get this kind of diabetes when they are pregnant. Most of the time, it goes away after the baby is born. But even if it goes away, these women and their children have a greater chance of getting diabetes later in life.

You are the one who manages your diabetes day by day. Talk to your doctor about how you can best care for your diabetes to stay healthy. Some others who can help are: 

Dentist

Diabetes doctor

Diabetes educator

Dietitian

Eye doctor

Foot doctor

Friends and family

Mental health counselor

Nurse practitioner

Pharmacist

Social worker

How to learn more about diabetes.

Take classes to learn more about living with diabetes. To find a class, check with your health care team, hospital, or area health clinic. You can also search online.

Join a support group — in-person or online — to get peer support with managing your diabetes.

Read about diabetes online. Go to National Diabetes Education Program.

Take diabetes seriously.

You may have heard people say they have “a touch of diabetes” or that their “sugar is a little high.” These words suggest that diabetes is not a serious disease. That is not correct. Diabetes is serious, but you can learn to manage it. 

People with diabetes need to make healthy food choices, stay at a healthy weight, move more every day, and take their medicine even when they feel good. It’s a lot to do. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it! 

Why take care of your diabetes?

Taking care of yourself and your diabetes can help you feel good today and in the future. When your blood sugar (glucose) is close to normal, you are likely to: 

Have more energy

Be less tired and thirsty

Need to pass urine less often

Heal better

Have fewer skin or bladder infections

You will also have less chance of having health problems caused by diabetes such as: 

Heart attack or stroke

Eye problems that can lead to trouble seeing or going blind pain, tingling, or numbness in your hands and feet, also called nerve damage kidney problems that can cause your kidneys to stop working teeth and gum problems check mark Actions you can take check mark Ask your health care team what type of diabetes you have. 

Check mark Learn where you can go for support. 

Check mark Learn how caring for your diabetes helps you feel good today and in the future. 

Step 2: Know your diabetes ABCs.

Talk to your health care team about how to manage your A1C, Blood pressure, and Cholesterol. This can help lower your chances of having a heart attack, stroke, or other diabetes problems. 

A for the A1C test (A-one-C).

What is it?

The A1C is a blood test that measures your average blood sugar level over the past three months. It is different from the blood sugar checks you do each day. 

Why is it important?

You need to know your blood sugar levels over time. You don’t want those numbers to get too high. High levels of blood sugar can harm your heart, blood vessels, kidneys, feet, and eyes. 

What is the A1C goal?

The A1C goal for many people with diabetes is below 7. It may be different for you. Ask what your goal should be. 

B for Blood pressure.

What is it?

Blood pressure is the force of your blood against the wall of your blood vessels. 

Why is it important?

If your blood pressure gets too high, it makes your heart work too hard. It can cause a heart attack, stroke, and damage your kidneys and eyes.

 

What is the blood pressure goal?

The blood pressure goal for most people with diabetes is below 140/90. It may be different for you. Ask what your goal should be. 

C for Cholesterol (ko-LESS-tuh-ruhl).

What is it?

There are two kinds of cholesterol in your blood: LDL and HDL. 

LDL or “bad” cholesterol can build up and clog your blood vessels. It can cause a heart attack or stroke. 

HDL or “good” cholesterol helps remove the “bad” cholesterol from your blood vessels. 

What are the LDL and HDL goals?

Ask what your cholesterol numbers should be. Your goals may be different from other people. If you are over 40 years of age, you may need to take a statin drug for heart health. 

Check mark Actions you can take

Check mark Ask your health care team:

What your A1C, blood pressure, and cholesterol numbers are and what they should be. Your ABC goals will depend on how long you have had diabetes, other health problems, and how hard your diabetes is to manage.

What you can do to reach your ABC goals

Check mark Write down your numbers on the record at the back of this booklet to track your progress.

Step 3: Learn how to live with diabetes.

It is common to feel overwhelmed, sad, or angry when you are living with diabetes. You may know the steps you should take to stay healthy, but have trouble sticking with your plan over time. This section has tips on how to cope with your diabetes, eat well, and be active. 

Cope with your diabetes.

Stress can raise your blood sugar. Learn ways to lower your stress. Try deep breathing, gardening, taking a walk, meditating, working on your hobby, or listening to your favorite music.

Ask for help if you feel down. A mental health counselor, support group, member of the clergy, friend, or family member who will listen to your concerns may help you feel better.

Eat well.

Make a diabetes meal plan with help from your health care team.

Choose foods that are lower in calories, saturated fat, Trans fat, sugar, and salt.

Eat foods with more fiber, such as whole grain cereals, breads, crackers, rice, or pasta.

Choose foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, bread and cereals, and low-fat or skim milk and cheese.

Drink water instead of juice and regular soda.

When eating a meal, fill half of your plate with fruits and vegetables, one quarter with a lean protein, such as beans, or chicken or turkey without the skin, and one quarter with a whole grain, such as brown rice or whole wheat pasta.

Be active.

Set a goal to be more active most days of the week. Start slow by taking 10 minute walks, 3 times a day.

Twice a week, work to increase your muscle strength. Use stretch bands, do yoga, heavy gardening (digging and planting with tools), or try push-ups.

Stay at or get to a healthy weight by using your meal plan and moving more.

Know what to do every day.

Take your medicines for diabetes and any other health problems even when you feel good. Ask your doctor if you need aspirin to prevent a heart attack or stroke. Tell your doctor if you cannot afford your medicines or if you have any side effects.

Check your feet every day for cuts, blisters, red spots, and swelling. Call your health care team right away about any sores that do not go away.

Brush your teeth and floss every day to keep your mouth, teeth, and gums healthy.

Stop smoking. Ask for help to quit. Call 1-800-QUITNOW (1-800-784-8669).

Keep track of your blood sugar. You may want to check it one or more times a day. Use the card at the back of this booklet to keep a record of your blood sugar numbers. Be sure to talk about it with your health care team.

Check your blood pressure if your doctor advises and keep a record of it.

Talk to your health care team.

Ask your doctor if you have any questions about your diabetes.

Report any changes in your health.

Check mark Actions you can take

Check mark Ask for a healthy meal plan.

Check mark Ask about ways to be more active.

Check mark Ask how and when to test your blood sugar and how to use the results to manage your diabetes.

Check mark Use these tips to help with your self-care.

Check mark Discuss how your diabetes plan is working for you each time you visit your health care team.

Step 4: Get routine care to stay healthy.

See your health care team at least twice a year to find and treat any problems early. 

At each visit, be sure you have a:

Blood pressure check

Foot check

Weight check

Review of your self-care plan

Two times each year, have an:

A1C test. It may be checked more often if it is over 7.

Once each year, be sure you have a:

Cholesterol test

Complete foot exam

Dental exam to check teeth and gums

Dilated eye exam to check for eye problems

Flu shot

Urine and a blood test to check for kidney problems At least once in your lifetime, get a:

Pneumonia (nu-mo-nya) shot

Hepatitis B (HEP-uh-TY-tiss) shot

Medicare and diabetes.

If you have Medicare, check to see how your plan covers diabetes care. Medicare covers some of the costs for: 

Diabetes education

Diabetes supplies

Diabetes medicine

Visits with a dietitian

Special shoes, if you need them Check mark Actions you can take

Check mark Ask your health care team about these and other tests you may need. Ask what your results mean. 

Check mark Write down the date and time of your next visit. 

Check mark Use the card at the back of this booklet to keep a record of your diabetes care. 

check mark If you have Medicare, check your plan.

 

 

COMMUNITIES EXPERIENCES

Mercy Lungu stands at his maize field in chongwe Zambia, and watches his crop dry out in front of his eyes.

 

“I invested all my money into this two-hectare maize crop, and as you can see there is nothing that will come from here,” she said. LUNGU is not sure what she will do to feed his family of 10 and support his children’s education. “With this crop failure, I am really in trouble.”

 

In communities nearby such as kanyama, chawama, Matro and Misis compound, people have also been coping with cholera. There have been 188,000 cholera cases in six southern African countries in the last year, resulting in 3,400 deaths, according to the U.N. Twenty-one thousands of these cases were in Zambia, which saw a severe upsurge in cholera in late 2023 that led to more than 700 deaths. Schools from primary to university level were delayed opening, affecting 4.3 million students.

 

The combination of drought and cholera is a potentially deadly mix. “The scarcity of water sources in the drought-affected area are compelling people to turn to unsafe alternatives like shallow wells, heightening the risks of water-borne disease like cholera,” MoH Staff in Zambia.

 

Stomach ailments afflicting people already struggling to find enough food limits their ability to absorb nutrients, driving malnutrition. The risk of disease also increases when water shortages can cause poor hygiene practices. When people reduce handwashing, the risk of cholera increases.

 

Cholera threat in communities

In the community of Chilanga, 20 kilometers (12 miles) south of Lusaka, Grace Mumba worked as a volunteer health during cholera at heroes Stadium in Lusaka. As one of the 50 volunteers trained by Ministry of health, Mumba helped people who became sick with cholera she made sure that they got oral rehydration therapy, no matter what time of the day or night, and refers patients to the hospital.

 

She also encourages people to practice good hygiene. “People just come from the toilet, and they don't wash their hands,” she said, adding that handwashing is particularly important before meals or handling food. “We need to tell them the method of washing their hands, and that they need to use soap.”

 

Mumba said that Chilanga suffers from poor solid waste management. “Water comes from the rubbish dumping sites and goes straight into the boreholes [wells]; that is the same water people use. That is why you find that cholera is everywhere here in Chilanga.”

 

Drought emergency

Following the cholera outbreak in 2023 and early 2024, Zambia endured a five-week period of little to no rain. The Zambian government declared a national disaster and emergency in the end of February. The drought has hit 84 of the country’s 116 districts, affecting more than a million farming households.

 

Since the outbreak began in 2023, many stakeholders and government Ministries have provided more than 1.5 million people in four southern African countries with hygiene kits and access to clean water, including by drilling and rehabilitating borehole wells, and installing solar-powered water systems in public health facilities and markets.

 

“Urgent support in the form of food and clean water is what people need the most now,” says KZF Director Ezra Banda. “Many have no food left because they did not harvest enough last year, and the El Nino-induced weather phenomenon has killed the slightest hope they had to feed themselves.”

 

Oxfam and partners in Zambia are doing further assessments to inform our humanitarian response. We intend to raise $6.5 million to provide 600,000 people with cash and clean water, help with growing winter crops, and improve local sanitation and hygiene services to prevent cholera.

 

What is oral health?

By Daily News Reporter

IN today’s article we are going to discuss oral health and its negative impact on a human being.

Last week, being an oral health week, I took time to research on oral health and I learnt something which I thought is very important to share with you my esteemed readers of this column. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), oral health refers to the health of the teeth, gums, and the entire oral-facial system that allows us to smile, speak, and chew.

Some of the most common diseases that impact our oral health include cavities (tooth decay), gum (periodontal) disease, and oral cancer. Some of the symptoms of oral health may include toothache, bad breath, teeth sensitivity and red or swollen gums.

The causes include poor dental hygiene, improper brushing and flossing habits, bacterial infection, nutritional deficiencies, and bone diseases.

It is important to note that oral conditions are frequently considered separate from other chronic conditions, but these are actually inter-related.

Poor oral health is associated with other chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Oral disease also is associated with risk behaviours such as using tobacco and consuming sugary foods and beverages.

Tooth decay is damage that affects your teeth due to the activities of bacteria present in dental plaque. These bacteria convert sugars from your food into acids, which can go on to damage teeth. There are steps that you can take to help prevent tooth decay. These include things like brushing your teeth at least twice a day, avoiding sweet foods, and making sure you visit your dentist regularly. Public health strategies such as community water fluoridation and school sealant programmes are safe and effective interventions proven to prevent cavities and save money. The treatment for tooth decay depends on what stage it’s in. Some examples of potential treatments include fluoride treatments, fillings, and root canals.

Health minister Sylvia Masebo said Zambia was making various strides to improve on the delivery of oral health services to the people. She said among the government strategies and strides was the one witnessed in the 2022 recruitment of more than 11,000 health workers where a good number of dentists was employed and deployed in most health facilities, just like it was the case to other health cadres. The other strategy the government is using in an effort to improve on the current status of oral health services in the country is to procure more equipment to be used in dental services and distribute them to other health facilities.

It is fascinating to learn that the government through the Ministry of Health and in good collaboration with various cooperating partners is trying to improve on the quality delivery of dental services to all parts of the country.

 

 

Understanding polio

By Daily News Reporter.

POLIO is shortened from poliomyelitis; it is an infectious disease caused by the poliovirus.

It is discovered that about 0.5 per cent of the cases of polio move from the guts to affect the central nervous system and there is muscle weakness resulting in a flaccid paralysis. Further explanation indicates that polio is a contagious viral illness that in its most severe form causes nerve injury leading to paralysis, difficulty in breathing and sometimes death. According to scientific research, polio mainly affects children below the age of five years. However, any person who has not been vaccinated against polio is at risk of the disease.

Poliovirus can be transmitted through direct contact with someone infected with the virus or, less commonly, through contaminated food and water.A person carrying the poliovirus can spread the virus for weeks in his/her fecal matter. A person who has the virus but doesn’t have symptoms can also pass it to others.

Today, despite worldwide efforts to wipe out polio, poliovirus continues to affect children and adults in parts of Asia and Africa. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advise people to seriously take needed precautions to protect themselves from polio if they are traveling where there is a risk of the disease. Scientific advice is that: “Adults who have been vaccinated who plan to travel to an area where polio is occurring should receive a booster dose of inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV). Immunity after a booster lasts a lifetime.’’

The Mayo Clinic guides the following as some of the signs and symptoms of polio. Signs and symptoms which can last up to 10 days include:•     Fever.

•     Sore throat.

•     Headache.

•     Vomiting.

•     Fatigue.

•     Back pain or stiffness.

•     Neck pain or stiffness.

•     Pain or stiffness in the arms or legs.

•     Muscle weakness or tenderness.

•     Paralytic polio.

This most serious form of the disease is rare. Initial signs and symptoms of paralytic polio, such as fever and headache, often mimic those of non-paralytic polio. Within a week, however, other signs and symptoms appear, including:

•     Loss of reflexes.

•     Severe muscle aches or weakness.

•     Loose and floppy limbs (flaccid paralysis).

•     Post-polio syndrome.

Post-polio syndrome is a cluster of disabling signs and symptoms that affect some people years after having polio. Common signs and symptoms include:•     Progressive muscle or joint weakness and pain.

•     Fatigue.

•     Muscle wasting (atrophy).

•     Breathing or swallowing problems.

•     Sleep-related breathing disorders, such as sleep apnea.

•     Decreased tolerance of cold temperatures.

According to the Ministry of Health recent reports, ‘’Zambia had made a lot of progress in eradicating polio as the last indigenous case was only recorded in 1995 in Lusaka Province.’’

The report clarifies that the cases that were recorded in 2001 and 2002 in Western Province were just imported from one of Zambia’s neighbouring countries.

‘’In 2005 the African Ratification Commission for Polio Eradication endorsed Zambia as being free from world polio virus. A status that the country has maintained to date and we remain proud of this. And it is our resolve to ensure that we maintain the same status,’’ reads another report from the Ministry of Health.

In September 2019, there was a case of polio recorded in a two-year-old child in Chiengi district of Luapula Province. And again, it was said to be imported from a named neighbouring country, including the one that was reported two months later in Chavuma district of North-Western province. At the moment, Zambia has no cases of polio but people should not relax but continue taking their children for vaccines and and observe all preventive measures as guided by health workers.

 

 

Supporting Gender-Based Violence (GBV) survivors in Lusaka to recover and build resilience

By daily news reporter

Alice is one of the many women who have experienced conflict-related sexual violence during the devastating two-year conflict in northern Zambia. For more than three years, she kept silent about her experience. Amina says she feared being stigmatized by family, friends and community members. “The burden was immense, affecting my health and relationships. My partner left me once he realized what had happened. My outlook on men has changed,” Alice said.

 

A turning point came when she attended community conversation sessions facilitated by the NGOCC. These sessions provided psychosocial support and provided a safe space for ALICE to share her experience, and she began the healing process. Through these discussions, Alice learned about gender-based violence (GBV), its consequences and the available support services. With newfound courage, she confided in others about her ordeal.

 

The support of case workers and counsellors also proved invaluable.  Alice was able to access vital support, including counselling, HIV testing and cash assistance, paving the way for her journey to recovery.

 

The NGOCC has been instrumental in providing support and services to survivors of GBV, like Amina, in the region. Through collaborative efforts, NGOCC has expanded access to essential services, including case management, psychosocial support and referrals, empowering survivors to rebuild their lives and futures.

 

GBV prevention and risk-mitigation activities are also addressed through awareness raising, cash-based intervention, and the provision of dignity kits for the most vulnerable women and girls. The Association of Women Sanctuary and Development (AWSAD) provides safe shelters to survivors in the region, with referrals through the region's Bureau of Women, Children and Social Affairs.

 

Adanech Shiferaw, UNFPA GBViE analyst, says ALICE’s story is just one example of the transformative power of GBV support in overcoming trauma and building resilience. “ALICE's journey highlights the pressing need to address GBV and provide support for survivors in communities across Zambia. By breaking the silence surrounding GBV and offering comprehensive services, the endeavors of the NGOCC are instrumental in empowering women and girls to reclaim their lives and future.”

 

ALICE says she sees progress every day, but she worries about the current situation in the region. “I have received continued psychological support. If I continue with this and with GOD's will, I will return to my normal health. However, the ongoing conflict worries me and I am afraid women, including me, are at risk of more violence.” she said.

 

 

ZRA ASSURES TRADERS OF IMPROVED SERVICES

Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) Corporate Communication Manager, Oliver Nzala, has pledged to assist traders in facilitating swift, efficient, and timely clearance of goods.

The agency has observed numerous challenges faced by traders, particularly those from Kazungula, and has hosted them along with customs officers from both Kazungula and Lusaka.

Mr. Nzala urged traders to issue receipts during transactions to raise resources for the treasury and reminded them to engage the Authority for suggestions and engagements.

Nzala said ZRA plans to reduce boarder officers collecting VAT from 18 to 6 to speed up the process and introduce a pre-clearance of goods to speed up boarder points.

Speaking at the same event, AZBT, Deputy National Secretary Representative, Mr. Jack Malambo, stated that his association serves as a bridge between traders and the authority, helping remove barriers that hinder their success. Malambo emphasized the importance of supporting men, women, and youths in businesses, especially formalizing their businesses.

ZRA also offers loans to its members with a minimal interest rate of 15%, along with a funeral scheme for times of calamity. The authourity is always open to suggestions and engagements to help traders grow their businesses.

 

 

ZED-FIN Financial Services Limited partners with Airtel Money to unveil Loan services

…………………to provide loans to customers through the Airtel portal.

By Daily News Reporter

The service will enable eligible customers to obtain a loan in times of need that will directly go into their Airtel mobile money accounts.

Speaking during the launch of the new loan service, ZED FIN Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Justin Chola said the Airtel Money Na Sova Platform which is being powered by YABX a Technology it marks the official launch of Zed-Fin Loans, powered by YABX, a technology provider.

“Having Zed-Fin Loans on the Airtel Na Sova Platform is an important milestone for us as it will allow us the opportunity to provide loans to Airtel Money subscribers.  This, ladies and gentlemen will allow for potential exponential growth in our contribution to financial inclusion for the vast majority of our fellow citizens who ordinarily find it difficult to easily access financial assistance for their day-to-day micro businesses or other emergency financial needs,” Mr. Chola said.

He further added that some customers have challenge of accessing loan in terms of loan accessibility ZED-FIN has Na Sova platform which will give opportunity to Airtel customer through Airtel Money Mobile services

“I am referring to Amai Tembo who sells beans at Matero Market. She ordinarily sells K300 worth of beans per day but wants to increase that to K900 per day. Accessing the extra K600 to grow her business is a challenge because she has been excluded from most formal lines of credit. This is where Zed-Fin Loans comes in because our desire is to work with Amai Tembo and help grow her business from selling K300 worth of tomatoes to selling thousands of kwacha worth in a day.” 

Airtel Mobile Commerce Country Director, Mr. Andrew Chuma also added that Airtel Money was cognizant of the importance the Government had placed on digital financial services and as such believed that partnerships were important in order to foster sustainable financial growth in society, therefore the unveiling of the new product with ZED FIN symbolized the Company’s commitment to continue championing the agenda as prescribed in the 8th National Development Plan.

“This is how powerful digital financial services can be not only to institutions but to individuals and this is why when credit is used responsibly it can be used to pay for important things such as school fees as well as provide a lifeline in case of health emergencies,” Mr. Chuma said.

Mr. Chuma further noted that this access to credit is a huge challenge among the marginalized, the unbanked and those who are not attached to forms of formal employment.

These segments of the society have no access to formal loans as they neither have collateral, nor credit history or a salary and this is where solutions such as the Na Sova ZED FIN loan service become important.

To qualify to obtain a loan from the Na Sova ZED FIN service, one needs to be an active Airtel Money customer for at least six months and regularly transact on Airtel Money and will also need to have paid up any other loans taken through Airtel Money.

 

DEBT MANAGEMENT FOR PARLIAMENTARY OVERSIGHT IS CRUCTIAL -CUTS

By Daily News reporter

CUTS International held the stakeholders meeting National Economic Symposium in Lusaka under the theme: Strengthening Parliamentary Oversight for Transparent and Inclusive Public Debt Management to provide an invaluable opportunity for dialogue surrounding the state of the economy, with a special emphasis on the launch of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) analysis report.

During the event, Sajeev Nair, Regional Director and Board Member, said that Parliamentary oversight in debt management is key in minimizing the risk that comes with accumulating public debt to unsustainable levels.

Mr. Nair stated that this parliamentary oversight ensures that the executive remains accountable to the National Assembly and the public in its borrowing operations.

He emphasized the importance of equipping them with the necessary knowledge and tools for effective legislative and oversight functions.

And speaking on behalf of Permanent Secretary Budget and Economic Affairs, in the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, Ms. Mwaka Mukubesa, Mr. Patrick Mfungo Assistant Director Investment and Debt Management Department said the Zambian government has demonstrated adherence to the law by publishing the medium-term Debt Management Strategy which gives an indication of government borrowing strategies for the medium term and conducting public debt sustainability analysis and publishing the report.

“Once the aforementioned are considered by the National Assembly, the government, through the Ministry of Finance and National Planning has been publishing these documents on the Ministry website. This demonstrates government’s commitment to transparency and accountability to the public”, Ms. Mukubesa said.

The Symposium meeting was attended by 60 participants, including five Members of Parliament, representatives from civil society organizations, donors, and officials from various embassies.

 

 

HOW DIGITAL RIGHTS AFFECT YOUTHS

By Daily News Reporter

You have heard it before. Digital technology is a double-edged sword. Digital spaces and technologies can expand avenues for youth participation in democratic processes, facilitate dialogue with decision-makers, and support civic activism. At the same time, it can be misused to limit civic space and undermine human rights.

Moffat a youth leader and focal point for the global youth caucus on SDG 16, is making waves working on youth activism, elections and digital technology in zambia. Yet, as he points out, youth in africa face obstacles to having their voices heard. Moffat discusses the opportunities and challenges shaping youth activism and youth inclusion in the age of technology.

Digital technology, from his experience, has contributed to inclusion, particularly for marginalized communities and persons with disabilities. According to Moffat, there are several youth sensitive digital technologies available at the global level, which can enhance democratic institutions and promote online safety and responsible digital citizenship. Examples include the ICT 4 Peace platform for policy and capacity building, and the Generation Connects platform, which encourages young people to participate in digital technologies for peace and development. Such platforms have further limited the costs associated with participation.

However, during the Covid 19 pandemic, there were more opportunities for marginalized groups to participate in international events online since there was no cost for travel. This allowed young people from all countries to participate in decision-making activities and events. 

“Lack of digital space and high costs of living hamper young people's ability to leverage digital technology…”

An additional challenge identified by Moffat is that he has seen many young people feeling unsafe on social media platforms due to cyberbullying and online harassment. The flipside to this, however, is that online activism allows for sharing of ideas and opinions more anonymously, limiting the fear of persecution.

In his daily work, Moffat applies a combination of both online and offline activism. Offline activism allows for direct interaction with people, which is crucial in humanitarian settings. However, online activism can reach a broader audience. Moreover, according to Moffat the added value of digital technology lies in its ability to reach and teach youth about their rights, including their rights in the civic space or where it concerns political participation.

Weighing the opportunities and challenges, what would Moffat advice? A multi-stakeholder approach is key. In his own words, “stakeholders and partners can work together to promote human rights and security online by promoting responsible digital technologies…”. He specifically cites the UN Secretary General’s roadmap on Digital Cooperation launched in 2020 as a useful framework for promoting responsible digital technologies and promoting human rights and internet security online.

One key stakeholder to include is youth. From field experience, Moffat testifies that digital technologies are essential for amplifying youth voices. Furthermore, he emphasizes the importance of youth engagement in achieving peace and development.