NRFA PARTNERS WITH 3 UNIVERSITIES

By Daily News Reporter

The National Road Fund Agency (NRFA) has announced a significant multilateral collaboration with the University of Zambia, Copperbelt University, Mulungushi University, and the Zambia Institute of Policy Analysis and Research (ZIPAR). This partnership aims to address the increasingly complex challenges in policy formulation and road sector finance management in a global context.

During the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the four institutions, NRFA Acting Director and Chief Executive Officer Daniel Mtongo emphasized the importance of concerted efforts and resource pooling to effectively tackle these challenges. The MOU is designed to facilitate professionally conducted industry research for the benefit of Zambia's road sector and the country as a whole.

He expressed confidence that by uniting the intellectual and research capabilities of these esteemed institutions, significant progress could be made in policy research and debt management.

And at the same event, ZIPAR Interim Executive Director Zali Bryson Chikuba highlighted that the MOU formalizes the relationship between NRFA and ZIPAR, providing a clear framework for research and policy analysis. This collaboration aims to generate empirical evidence to support the sustainable development of Zambia’s road sector.

Meanwhile Professor Trywell Kalusopa, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Zambia, speaking on behalf of the universities, referenced the 2018 African Economic Outlook Report. He noted that the Zambian Government's financed infrastructure investment averaged 3.1% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) between 2006 and 2011, increasing to an average of 5.5% between 2012 and 2017. He added that investment in infrastructure is expected to remain high in the medium term, largely financed by foreign borrowing.

This collaboration underscores the critical need for research and policy analysis to support effective road sector finance management and sustainable infrastructure development in Zambia.

 

 

YOUTHS CALLS GOVERNMENT TO ENACT TOBACCO BILL TO SAVE LIVES  

By Daily News Reporter

Young people and various stakeholders in Zambia have continued to voice out on the need to enact the tobacco control bill in to law.

SPEAKING to the media in Lusaka Tobacco Control Consortium of Zambia Chairperson Albert Phiri stated that tobacco related substances are affecting the children in accessing quality education.

“Children are being affected by tobacco advertising and selling near schools this has led many children to be affected with tobacco products,” Phiri said.

He added that they is need enforce the law by the Government to enact the bill to reduce death and risks of tobacco use among children.

He urged all to unity with all the stakeholders and fight this challenge of tobacco abuse and the youths in the country.

This follows the celebration of *World No Tobacco Day* which falls on May 31, 2024 which is being observed across the continent.

And this year's World No Tobacco Day is being commemorated under the theme *Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Tactics*May marks World No Tobacco Day (WNTD), a global campaign spearheaded by WHO to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco use. This year’s theme – Protecting children from tobacco industry interference – highlights a critical battleground. Despite significant progress, millions of young people remain vulnerable, with a staggering 37 million aged 13–15 years using some form of tobacco globally.

The Centre for Trade Policy and Development (CTPD) Natalie Kaunda acting Executive Director has noted with concern the delay in the enactment of the Tobacco Control law considering that the Ministry of Health statistics show that about 7,000 deaths in Zambia are tobacco-related; deaths that are preventable if government establish required measures.

To this the government plays an imperative role in protecting the right to life of its people which is enshrined in the Bill of Rights embedded in the Zambian Constitution of 1991 as amended by Act no 18 of 1996 and Act no 2 of 2016.

“The obligation to protect means the government must protect individuals against human rights abuses and the duty to fulfil requires the government to take actions that facilitate the enjoyment of the right to life; this action should be the enactment of the Tobacco Control law’, She said.

She also urges the government to uphold its obligation to protect and fulfil the right to life and public health. This should be demonstrated through expediting the process of enactment of the Tobacco Control Bill.

CTPD also celebrated with youths across Lusaka through sports activities to raise awareness to the communities the dangers of tobacco abuse among the citizens.  

 

POLITICAL WILL HAS ENFORCED HEALTH SERVICES IN ZAMBIA

By Daily News Reporter

Zambia has successfully achieved the second and third 95-95-95 UNAIDS targets; increased annual TB notifications from under 40,000 in 2021 to 53,000 in 2023; reducing the under-5 mortality rate from 68 to 58 per 1,000 live births between 2015 and 2021; achieving a COVID-19 immunization coverage of over 80%; and containing and limiting the devastating outcomes of the recent 2023-2024 cholera outbreak.

The Ministry of Health has overseen heath sector financing increasing from 7.0% in 2021, to 11.8% of the national budget. This is moving closer to the 15% Abuja declaration target.

In addition, Ministry Of Health with its development partners are supporting the sector to improve health systems. So far Zambia is still besieged with many health challenges including; high Malaria burden, with 30,400 cases per day; 50% of new HIV infections affecting young people; high Maternal mortality with 278 deaths per 100,000 live births; an increase in non-communicable diseases, antimicrobial resistance and neglected tropical diseases.

 

Almost 12 million girls are locked away from a better life……………

By Daily News Reporter

Child marriage is standing in the way of progress towards many of our 2030 Global Goals. For as long as child marriage continues to exist, so will poverty and instability, violence against women and girls, high global maternal mortality rates, and an ever widening educational gap between the poorest and wealthiest nations.

Barriers affecting Girl child in education:

The interconnectedness of child marriage with several of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) underscores the urgency of addressing this issue. Here's how child marriage serves as a barrier to achieving progress across multiple SDGs:

 

SDG 1: No Poverty and SDG 2: Zero Hunger: Child marriage perpetuates poverty by depriving girls of education and economic opportunities. When girls are married off as children, they often forego education, limiting their ability to secure employment and contribute to lifting their families out of poverty. This perpetuates the cycle of poverty and hampers efforts to achieve food security.

 

SDG 3: Good Health: Child marriage contributes to high rates of maternal mortality and teenage pregnancies. Girls who marry young are at greater risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth due to their bodies not being fully developed. This endangers the lives of both the mother and the child, undermining efforts to improve maternal health outcomes.

 

SDG 5: Gender Equality: Child marriage reinforces gender inequality by denying girls their rights to education, employment, and decision-making power. It exposes them to higher risks of domestic violence and limits their opportunities for personal and professional development, perpetuating harmful gender norms and practices.

 

SDG 13: Climate Action: Child marriage hinders efforts to address climate change by depriving girls of education and empowerment. Educated women are better equipped to implement sustainable practices in their communities, such as sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation. By denying girls access to education and agency, child marriage undermines initiatives aimed at mitigating climate change.

 

By addressing child marriage, countries can make significant strides towards achieving multiple SDGs simultaneously. Empowering girls through education, providing access to reproductive health services, and challenging harmful gender norms are essential steps in breaking the cycle of poverty and advancing sustainable development worldwide.

(pictures are not for Daily News Agency)

 

ZAMBIA MOVES STEP FORWARD TO END CHILD MARRIAGE

By Daily News Reporter

Zambia's adoption of a national strategy to end child marriage marks a significant step forward in addressing a pervasive issue that has long plagued the country. With 42% of girls marrying before the age of 18, it's evident that concerted efforts are required to bring about meaningful change. The strategy's ambitious goals, aiming for a 40% reduction in child marriage rates by 2026 and ultimately envisioning a Zambia free from child marriage by 2030, demonstrate a commitment to long-term transformation.

The strategy's multi-faceted approach, which includes strengthening multi-sectorial responses, reforming policies and legislation, challenging negative attitudes and beliefs, providing child-sensitive services, and mobilizing financial resources, reflects a comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding child marriage. By engaging traditional leaders, partnering with UN agencies, NGOs, and international donors, and fostering coordination across ministries, Zambia is harnessing a wide range of resources and expertise to drive change.

However, challenges such as sustaining political will, resource allocation, and developing a detailed National Plan of Action remain. The establishment of Ministry of Community Development and Social Services under the UPND government to oversee collaboration and coordination among stakeholders is a crucial step in ensuring the effective implementation of the strategy.

Zambia's initiative serves as a model for other countries grappling with high rates of child marriage. By learning from Zambia's experiences and adapting strategies to their own contexts, governments and organizations worldwide can work towards ending this harmful practice and empowering millions of girls and women globally.

Supporting the most marginalized girls in some of the most impoverished and rural communities in sub-Saharan Africa to go to school. Their appeal focuses on education as a tool to end child marriage across Africa, a movement that, like the theme of this year’s 16 Days of Activism, aims to leave no one behind.

Child marriage is recognized a form of gender-based violence by the UN and many governments across the world, and as a violation of human rights. It perpetuates other forms of gender-based violence, such as domestic abuse, rape and harmful practices. Girls who marry before the age of 18 are more likely to experience physical, sexual, and emotional abuse than those who marry later. In Zambia, one of five countries 47 percent of ever-married women age 15–49 report having experienced physical, sexual, and/or emotional violence from their current or most recent husband or partner. But this statistic doesn’t take into account girls like Toliwe, who entered into marriage and a life of poverty and abuse at the age of 12.

Discrimination against women and deep-rooted gender inequality is at the core of violence against women and girls. It is this, combined with poverty, social norms, and a lack of access to education that leads so many girls to be married at a tender age. In turn, child marriage traps girls and their families in a cycle of poverty, as girls are less likely to be able to stay in school, access employment opportunities, and have control over the size of their families.

Supporting some of the most marginalized girls in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Tanzania and Ghana to go to school. When girls are able to stay in school, they are less likely to enter into early marriages, and receive the knowledge, confidence and empowerment they need to stay in school, succeed, and lead.

Training young women from women networks, these will help them to become activists, mentors and agents of change in their communities. As many of these young women were once destined to be child brides, they understand what it takes to help girls escape this poverty trap

 

 

Expansion of AstraZeneca’s flagship health equity programme Healthy Heart Africa

The programme aims to improve health outcomes, with a focus on increasing awareness of the symptoms and risks of hypertension

By Daily News Reporter

AstraZeneca's Healthy Heart Africa initiative, initially launched in 2014 to combat cardiovascular diseases in Africa, is expanding its scope to target a broader range of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including chronic kidney disease (CKD), along with hypertension and cardiovascular disease. This expansion also involves the launch of the program in Egypt, in addition to its existing operations in several African countries.

The program's objectives remain focused on improving health outcomes by raising awareness about the symptoms and risks of hypertension, providing health education, facilitating early screening and treatment, and offering training to healthcare providers. By doing so, the initiative aims to relieve the social and economic burden associated with late-stage treatment of cardiovascular and related diseases, thereby enhancing health system resilience.

Over the years, Healthy Heart Africa has made significant progress, having conducted over 54 million blood pressure screenings and trained more than 11,400 healthcare workers. By March 2024, it surpassed its initial target of reaching 10 million people with elevated blood pressure, nearly two years ahead of schedule.

The urgent need to address NCDs in Africa is underscored by statistics indicating a rising burden of such diseases, which accounted for 37% of all deaths in 2019, compared to 24% in 2000. Consequently, there is a call for comprehensive and coordinated action, including integrating NCD prevention and control into primary healthcare and enhancing multisectoral coordination.

AstraZeneca, in collaboration with public and private sectors, aims to tackle the escalating burden of NCDs and improve health outcomes across Africa. By focusing on early diagnosis, intervention, and treatment of cardiorenal diseases, the initiative seeks to prevent life-threatening complications and reduce the economic and environmental impact of these diseases.

The commitment to addressing NCDs was reaffirmed at the 77th World Health Assembly, with global leaders in NCD care, along with representatives from various organizations and patient advocacy groups, emphasizing the importance of early detection, evidence-based treatments, and effective public-private partnerships like Healthy Heart Africa.

Through partnerships with Ministries of Health in Egypt, Uganda, and Ghana, AstraZeneca aims to advance the program's goals and contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3.4, which targets a one-third reduction in premature mortality from NCDs through prevention and treatment by 2030.

 

 

Infertility in couples how you can take care of…….

By Daily News reporter

Infertility can be a complex and emotionally challenging issue for couples. It's crucial for both partners to undergo thorough testing to determine the cause and explore treatment options. Here's a breakdown of the diagnostic process and treatment options for male infertility:

Diagnostic Process:

Physical Examination and Medical History: This involves a general physical examination, including examination of the genitals, and discussing any relevant medical history, including past illnesses, surgeries, and sexual habits.

Semen Analysis: This test evaluates the quantity, quality, and movement of sperm in the semen. It's usually the first step in diagnosing male infertility.

Additional Tests: Depending on the initial findings and suspected causes, further tests may be recommended, such as:

Scrotal ultrasound to detect structural abnormalities in the testicles.

Transrectal ultrasound to examine the prostate and check for blockages in the reproductive tract.

Hormone testing to assess hormone levels that affect sperm production.

Post-ejaculation urinalysis to check for retrograde ejaculation.

Genetic tests to identify any genetic abnormalities affecting fertility.

Testicular biopsy to assess sperm production directly.

Treatment Options:

 

Surgery: Surgical procedures may be recommended to correct anatomical abnormalities such as varicoceles or obstructions in the reproductive tract. In some cases, vasectomies can be reversed, or sperm can be retrieved directly from the testicles or epididymis.

Treating Infections: Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat infections of the reproductive tract, which can sometimes restore fertility.

Addressing Sexual Intercourse Problems: Medications or counseling may help with conditions like erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation, improving fertility.

Hormone Treatments: Hormone replacement therapy or medications may be prescribed to address hormonal imbalances affecting fertility.

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART): ART procedures involve various techniques to assist with conception, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). These methods can be used if sperm quality or quantity is a concern.

When Treatment Isn't Successful:

In some cases, despite undergoing treatment, male fertility problems may remain unresolved. In such situations, alternatives like using sperm from a donor or adopting a child may be considered.

It's essential for couples dealing with infertility to communicate openly with their healthcare providers and explore all available options. Support from fertility specialists and counselors can also be beneficial throughout the process.

 

“More Than a Mother” Awards 2023 and “Diabetes and Hypertension” Awards 2023 Announced

By Daily News Reporter

Merck Foundation in partnership with H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA, The First Lady of Zimbabwe and Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother, announced the Zimbabwean winners of Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition “More Than a Mother” Awards 2023 and “Diabetes and Hypertension” Awards 2023. Winners from the rest of the Africa were also announced, in partnership with African First Ladies, the Ambassadors of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother. The awards ceremony was held via Videoconference to felicitate all the media award winners.

The winners were announced and acknowledged by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of “More Than a Mother” campaign. The theme of “More Than a Mother” Awards was to raise awareness on any of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/or Stopping GBV at all levels and the theme of “Diabetes and Hypertension” Awards was to Promote a Healthy Lifestyle and raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension in the African countries.

 

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej stated that, “I am proud to announce the winners from Zimbabwe and the rest of Africa. We have 83 winners from 22 African countries in partnership with my dear sisters First Ladies of Africa and Ambassadors of “Merck Foundation More than a Mother”.

This Merck Foundation Media Awards started in 2017, and year after year Merck foundation witnessed a substantial increase in the number of outstanding and regular entries from many African countries.

“All our winners are the Champions of critical and sensitive social and health issues in their communities.” Kelej said.

She added that “It's truly inspiring to witness how we're actively involving and engaging everyone, enabling them to be the voice of the voiceless and create a culture shift.

I'm delighted to extend a warm welcome as you join the Merck Foundation Alumni. Let’s keep raising awareness on social and health together.”

 

Merck Foundation is additionally rewarding the winners by providing them with one year access of an online educational training program called ‘MasterClass’. The MasterClass is an immersive online experience and self-paced learning course that can be accessed anywhere with the internet.

The following are the winners:

Here are the winners from West African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of The Gambia, H.E. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW; and The First Lady of Ghana and H.E. REBECCA AKUFO-ADDO:

 

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

 

Raissa Sambou, The Spectator, Ghana (First Position)

 

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

 

Emelia Naa Ayeley Aryee, Myjoyonline, Ghana (First Position)

Mariam Hamzat, Freelancer, Nigeria (Second Position)

Mariama, Dem Star.gm, The Gambia (Second Position)

 

RADIO CATEGORY WINNER

 

Evelyn Kpadeh Seagbeh, New Narratives, Liberia (First Position)

Mavis Offei Acheampong, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), Ghana (Second Position)

 

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS

 

Emmanuel Samani, TV3, Ghana (First Position)

Stanley Nii Blewu, TV3, Ghana (Second Position)

 

Here are the Winners from Southern African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Malawi, H.E. MONICA CHAKWERA; The First Lady of Zambia, H.E. MUTINTA HICHILEMA; The First Lady of Zimbabwe, H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA:

 

PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS

 

Melody Mupeta, Zambia Daily, Zambia (First Position)

Gresham Ngwira, Freelancer, Malawi (Second Position)

Sonja Smith, The Namibian, Namibia  (Third Position)

 

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

 

Caroline Mapando, Africabrief, Malawi (Third Position)

 

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

 

Charlotte Nambadja, Desert Radio, Namibia (First Position)

Britta Mpata Blantyre, Synod Radio, Malawi (First Position)

Sera Tamina, Radio Icengelo, Zambia (Second Position)

Monde Chaba, Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation, Zambia (Third Position)

 

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS

 

Mirriam Kayemba, CAMNET TV,  Zambia (First Position)

Alepher Kasongo, MBC News, Malawi (Second Position)

 

Here are the winners from East African Countries:

 

PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS

Marco Maduhu, Nipashe Newspaper, Tanzania (First Position)

Elizabeth Angira, MT Kenya Times and People Daily, Kenya (First Position)

Shaban Njia, Nipashe Newspaper, Tanzania (Second Position)

 

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Moraa Obiria, Nation Media Group, Kenya (First Position)

Isabella Maua Chemosit, The Times, Kenya (Second Position)

Aveline Kitomary, Tanzania Standard, Tanzania (Third Position)

Sophia Rukwaro, Black Hustlers TV, Kenya (Third Position)

Hudson Kuteesa, The New Times, Rwanda (Third Position)

Beatrice Philemon Mukocho, The Guardian Newspaper, Tanzania (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

Caren Waraba Sisya, Citizen Radio, Kenya (First Position)

Olga Fadhil Lungala, Moshifm Radio, Tanzania (Second Position)

Adam Hhando, CG FM, Tanzania (Second Position)

Namale Hajara Shahista, CBS FM, Uganda (Third Position)

Angela Kezengwa, Citizen Radio, Kenya (Third Position)

 

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNER

Walter Mwesigye, NTV Uganda, Uganda (First Position)

Elizabeth Atieno Ochieng, TV 47 KENYA, Kenya (Second Position)

Here are the winners from French Speaking African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Burundi, H.E. ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE; The First Lady of Democratic Republic of the Congo, H.E. DENISE NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI:

 

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

Koami Agbetiafa, Societe, Niger (First Position)

Astère NDUWAMUNGU, www.lerenouveau.bi, Burundi (Second Position)

Traore Brehima, The TOGUNA, Mali (Third Position)

 

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Mêmèdé Ambroisine Azododassi, Savoir News, Togo (First Position)

Jessy NZENGU, lualabamaprovince.com, DRC (First Position)

AYIBE Ablavi Ayélo, SAVOIR NEWS, Togo (Second Position)

Tognisse Pugilbert Yannick, Benin (Third Position)

Haburanimana Gérard, Agaseke.bi, Burundi (Third Position)

JEANINE NYABENDA, Ijisho Web Site News TV, Burundi (Third Position)

 

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

Cyriaque NDAYISHIMIYE, Radio TV BUNTU, Burundi (First Position)

Edmond Niyonkur, Radio Ubuzima-FM, Burundi (Second Position)

 

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS

Bahwa Ferdinand, Le Journal.Africa, Burundi (First Position)

Amadou BELLO, Balafon Direct, Cameroon (Second Position)

Here are the winners from Portuguese Speaking African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Cabo Verde, H.E. Dr. DÉBORA KATISA CARVALHO:

 

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Ângelo Amaro Semedo, DW África, Cabo Verde (First Position)

 

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

Maria José Teixeira Veiga Macedo, Rádio de Cabo Verde, Cabo Verde (First Position)

 

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS

Edineia Barros, TV Cabo Verde, Cabo Verde (First Position)

 

Merck Foundation "Diabetes & Hypertension" Media Recognition Awards 2023

 

Here are the winners from West African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Ghana, H.E. REBECCA AKUFO-ADDO:

 

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

Jennifer Ambolley, Chronicle, Ghana (First Position)

Godwin Awuni Anafo, Daily Graphic, Ghana (Second Position)

 

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Odimegwu Onwumere, thenigerianvoice.com, Nigeria (First Position)

Muniratu Akweley Issah, Ghana News Agency, Ghana (Second Position)

Cecilia Lagba Yada, Ghanaian Times, Ghana (Third Position)

 

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNER

Grace Hammoah Agyemang, TV3, Ghana (First Position)

 

Here are the Winners from Southern African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Zambia, H.E. MUTINTA HICHILEMA:

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Maria Kandjungu, Unwrap, Namibia (First Position)

Alain Kabinda, Daily News Agency, Zambia (Second Position)

Rosalia Hipondoka, DBS Blogposts, Namibia (Third Position)

 

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

Henry Haukeya, MBC Radio, Malawi (First Position)

Sylviah Chisi, Trans World Radio Malawi (TWR), Malawi (Second Position)

Martha Mzumara, Trans World Radio Malawi (TWR), Malawi (Third Position)

Here are the winners from East African Countries:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

 

Christina Stephen Mwakangale, Nipashe, Tanzania (First Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Lucy John Bosco, Mwananchi Online, Tanzania (First Position)

Dorcas Wangira, BBC, Kenya (Second Position)

Veronica Romwald Mrema, Freelancer, Tanzania (Third Position)

Tulinagwe Alison Malopa, Gazetini, Tanzania (Third Position)

 

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

Mildrine Nafula Sabwami, North Rift Radio FM, Kenya (First Position)

Mwanaisha Mohamed Makumbuli, Highlands FM Radio, Tanzania (Second Position)

 

Here are the winners from French Speaking African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Burundi, H.E. ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE; and The First Lady of Democratic Republic of the Congo, H.E. DENISE NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI:

 

PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS

Moïse NKURUNZIZA, Le Renouveau du Burundi, Burundi (First Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Cassien Tribunal Aungane, Diplomacy & Development, DRC (First Position)

Akossiwa Agossivi YIBOKOU-MENSAH, SAVOIR NEWS, TOGO (Second Position)

Alphonse Julio GADA, GLOBAL NEWS BÉNIN, Benin (Third Position)

Petga Tonga Valgadine, lavoixdukoat.com, Cameroon (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

Honorine NININAHAZWE, Burundi National Radio, Burundi  (First Position)

Maurice TUNINAHAZIMANA, Radio TV Buntu,          Burundi (Second Position)

Rémy RUKUNDO, TV BUNTU, Burundi (Third Position)

 

 

Here is the winner from Portuguese Speaking African Country in partnership with The First Lady of Mozambique, H.E. ISAURA FERRÃO NYUSI:

 

RADIO CATEGORY WINNER

Abdul Ibraimo, Radio of Mozambique, Mozambique (First Position)

 

ZAMBIA’S INFLATION INCREASED BY 13.5%

By Daily News Reporter

Zambia's inflation has risen by 13.5%, driven by the drought and the country's weaker exchange rate. The Bank of Zambia has hiked its interest rate to 2.4% this quarter, the highest consideration in recent years, to stabilize the local currency and arrest the runner-away inflation.

Bank of Zambia Governor Denny Kalyalya has warned that the continued movement of inflation away from the projected 6-8 percent annual target could undermine macroeconomic stability and efforts towards robust and sustained growth.

And the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) calls for urgent countervailing action to contain persistent inflationary pressures. This has been primarily due to the exchange rate channel and rising inflation expectations. Projections show that inflation may average 9.8% from 9.9% and 7.4% in Q1 2026. The escalation of inflationary pressures during the quarter under review was a factor in the economic downturn induced by a weaker exchange rate and the drought, which weighed on output for firms in manufacturing and agriculture sectors.

Growth prospects for 2024 look gloomy, with projections averaging 2.3% from the earlier projection of 4.4% driven by the expected impact of the current drought, with agriculture and energy being the most adversely affected sectors. There is an increased need for various players-led by the government to work towards redressing the escalating inflation or risk derailing macroeconomic stability.

However, there is hope of economic growth in 2025, though sluggish, with mining companies contributing lower than envisaged mineral royalties. Industrial players attribute the inactivity status at various mining sites to lack of investment to recapitalize operations.

So far the Bank of Zambia has provided market support of $369 million to moderate volatility and broadly support the importation of critical commodities.

 Zambia is joins ‘’the global’’ of eliminating TB by 2020

(Top picture Dr Mubanga below picture Dr David Singini)

By BILKE MULENGA

The Zambian Government through the Ministry of Health is making strides to work with all stakeholders to join the global goal of eliminating tuberculosis TB by the year 2030.

In an interview ahead of TB Day in Lusaka, National TB/Leprosy Programme Manager Angel Mubanga says TB drugs are free in all Government health facilities, adding that TB is curable once the patient completes the prescribed treatment.

He says the Government has realized that some people die from TB because they have a mirth that TB is incurable, while others believe that TB can only be treated by traditional healers as it is being caused by being cursed or after bewitched as such they do not seek to avoid modern treatment.

Dr Mubanga said in view of eliminating TB in Zambia the Government has embarked on what it is termed as, Matching Towards, Finding 45,000 People With TB and put them on treatment in order to achieve the goal of eliminating TB by 2030.

 He said that people at risk of contracting TB are in two categories which include those with low immunity and those who work in dusty places.

The category of low immunity are people with chronic illnesses or underline conditions such as diabetic, people living with HIV, those on cancer treatments such as chemotherapy patients and chronic kidney problems among others.

Those who work in dusty places are also at risk of contracting TB, because they inhale dust which has a potential of damaging their lungs. Once their lungs are damaged, they become so susceptible to developing TB.

“In the category of people who work in dusty places include the miners, stone crushers, cement loaders, people who work in hammer hills, in quarries.

Those who work in construction industries such as building companies and those in roads are at high risks of contracting the disease.

‘’We are saying that people who work in environments where they are subjected to inhaling dust should always ensure protecting themselves from inhaling dust,’’ he said.

The professional medical advice for people working in industries is that: ‘’They should use industrial masks or face masks or indeed use any piece of cloth to cover the mouth and nose to prevent dust from entering the body through the mouth and nose and subsequently go to the lungs.

He further highlighted that cigarette smoking and heavy alcohol consumption also put people at higher risk of developing TB as those two lifestyles contribute to lower the peoples’ immunities.

The other thing which puts each individual at risk of developing TB is when the lungs are damaged. We know that the major thing that highly contributes to the damage of the lung is dust.

Therefore people who work in such places are advised to go often to have tested for TB at any Government health facility.

Dr Mubanga explained that every human being has got TB. This is the TB people in the health fraternity commonly referred to as latent TB or dormant TB.

The dormant TB gets triggered when someone faces a challenge of low immunity or happens to have lungs damaged due to dust inhaling.

“The Zambian government in collaboration with cooperating partners offers all TB tests and treatments free, so each individual who thinks is at a risk of developing TB is always advised to go for a test at any nearby government health facility,’’ he said.

The doctor also explains that those individuals who are not with any symptoms of TB but work in dusty environments are encouraged to go to health facilities and screened for TB.

If such a person found TB negative, he can be put on a preventive therapy or treatment which can last for one month or two months.

Health workers put people who work in TB risk environments on TB preventive therapy because they know that those ones always are at higher risk of developing the disease.

Dr Mubanga emphasized that TB is curable and all health facilities in Zambia have enough drugs to treat TB.

It is estimated that each year 60 000 people in Zambia fall ill with TB. 45 000 represents 75 percent of the estimated burden of TB in Zambia.

The goal of the Ministry of Health is to eliminate TB in Zambia by 2030 in line with Global Target.

In order to accelerate progress towards this goal, the National TB program has embarked on a program called Matching towards finding 45 000 people with TB.

Among other stakeholders working with the Ministry of health to eliminate TB in Zambia is Centre for Infectious Diseases and Research in Zambia (CIDRZ) under the project of USAID Tuberculosis Local Organizations Network Project (TBLON)

Dr David Singini is Southern province regional TB technical lead and explains that TB is an airborne disease caused by a germ called mycobacterium tuberculosis.

He laments that TB is one of the leading causes of death from an infectious agent, adding that globally, in 2022, 10.6 million people (133 in 100,000 populations per year) people got infected with this devastating disease.

In his paper presentation at the media engagement workshop in Livingstone recently, Dr Singini said according to the World Health Organization Global TB report for 2023, 1.2 million people died world over

“Zambia is one of the top 30 high TB burden countries in the world. In 2022 alone there were 59,000 new TB cases in Zambia, this translated to 295 in 100,000 people were infected with TB. Further 5 300 people had died in the same year.

Other statistics show that in 2019 Southern Province was one of two provinces which had recorded the highest number of persons that died from TB.

 The TBLON project has since partnered with the Ministry of Health in taking some measures that could help in mitigating the escalating number of TB cases in the country.

Dr Singini cited among other interventions as training of health workers on the Ministry of Health recommended TB treatment approaches for TB.

The other one is supporting establishment and strengthening of courier systems for sputum sample transportation from regions without testing capacity to facilities with machines for testing for TB.

The Southern Province regional TB Technical Lead – USAID Tuberculosis Local Organizations Network says linking of private health facilities and district health offices so that TB services are being accessed at little or no cost to members of the public that go to private health facilities.

He also mentioned the programme of engaging civic and traditional areas for sensitization and awareness on TB disease in communities as another workable measure.

Mr George Musole is one of the living testimonies of having been cured from TB after being bedridden for more than six months.

A 53-year-old man of Lusaka’s Garden Compound got sick in 2010 and for more than six months he was bedridden.

‘’Yes TB is curable, because for me, I was diagnosed with TB. I was sick for more than six months, some people started saying that I was bewitched because I was shivering a lot and I lost weight.

‘’But when my brother took me to the hospital it came out that I had TB and I was commenced on treatment, after nine months I was again texted and I was told I had no TB anymore,’’ he said.

Mr Musole, a bricklayer by profession, has since gone back to his work and he says since then he lives a healthier life.

It is everyone’s role to support the Government and its cooperating partners to attain the goal of eliminating TB by the year 2030.

 StanChart ‘banks’ on 15 Zambian female entrepreneurs

 

As 15 candidates make the short-list for the US$10,000 prize                                                                             

 

Standard Chartered Bank CEO, Sonny Zulu, has said that the Bank leads the way in supporting female entrepreneurship in Zambia. He was speaking at an event to celebrate 15 Zambian female entrepreneurs who have been short-listed for the Standard Chartered Bank Women in Tech programme in Lusaka last night.

Launched in 2020 at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, Standard Chartered Women in Tech provides grants of US$10,000 each to those Zambian women who demonstrate how they will use technology to scale up their businesses. In 2024, 15 women have made it to the short list. They will battle it out for the much-coveted top prize of a US$10,000 grant to scale up their businesses. This year, the Bank has increased the number of winners from 5 to 6.

The 15 short-listed businesses are from a diverse range of sectors – from education and childcare service Apps to maid service Apps and creative arts, amongst others.

Mr. Zulu emphasised that beyond the internet, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is set to be way bigger and will form an integral part of how we do business. He challenged the female entrepreneurs to take advantage of AI and make ways to start adopting it as soon as possible.

The 15 short-listed candidates will now go on to pitch their ideas to an independent panel of judges – six will emerge as winners and receive US$10,000 each.

The Standard Chartered Women in Tech aligns with the Bank’s key priorities of lifting the participation of women in Zambia’s economy, as well as supporting small business enterprises (SMEs). Since it was launched, the Bank has invested over half a million US Dollars into the programme.