HEALTH RISKS OF SMOKING (SUCH AS ASTHMA)

By Daily News Reporter

People with asthma may wonder how smoking conventional cigarettes or using electronic cigarettes can affect their condition.

Smoking leads to disease and disability and harms nearly every organ system of the body. It is the leading cause of preventable death.

If you have asthma, an asthma attack can occur when something irritates your airways and “triggers” an attack. Your triggers might be different from other people’s triggers.

Tobacco smoke is a common trigger for asthma. Tobacco smoke including secondhand smoke which is unhealthy for everyone, especially people with asthma. Secondhand smoke is a mixture of gases and fine particles that includes:

• Smoke from burning tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars, or pipes
• Smoke that has been exhaled (breathed out) by someone who smokes

Secondhand smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals, including hundreds that are toxic and about 70 that can cause cancer.

If you have asthma, it’s important that you avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.

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So smoking even a few cigarettes a day can be dangerous and can lead to serious health problems.

• People who smoke fewer than 5 cigarettes a day can have early signs of cardiovascular disease.
• Just cutting back on cigarettes may not protect someone from early death. People who smoke heavily and reduce their cigarette use by half still have a very high risk for early death. On average, people who smoke die 10 years earlier than people who don’t smoke.
• People who reported smoking in social situations rather than on a daily basis have a behavior referred to as “social smoking” and they have similar blood pressure and cholesterol levels of people who smoke regularly.
• So Quitting Can Improve Your Health and your quality of life. This is true regardless of your age or how long you have been smoking.
• When you quit smoking completely:
• After 1-2 years, your risk of heart attack drops sharply and continues to drop over time.
• After 5-10 years, your risk of stroke decreases.
• After 5 years, your risk for cancers of the mouth, throat, and voice box drop by half.
• After 10-15 years, your risk of lung cancer drops by half.
• People who quit smoking completely live longer than those who keep smoking. The earlier you quit, the lower your risk for early death. Even quitting at age 50 cuts your risk in half for early death from a smoking-related disease.

 ZAMBIA'S 'WASH' SITUATION NOT GOOD WORRIES SIAKALIMA

By Daily News Reporter

The current Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) situation in Zambia is not Impressive, it needs strengthened efforts to develop the sector.

The UPND Government recently launched a multi-billion dollars Water Investment Programme, which is expected to benefit and impact millions of people in the Country, both in the rural and urban areas.

In December 2023 zambia hosted NGO WASH Forum in Lusaka, the Minister of Education Douglas Siakalima  in a speech read on his behalf by the Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary, Joel Kamoko, on the occasion of WASH In Schools (WINS) learning event at Pamodzi Hotel in Lusaka.

"I am happy to grace this important occasion (water supply, sanitation and hygiene in schools learning event) where stakeholders are sharing lessons on the status of WASH In Schools and how to improve things," he said.

Mr. Siakalima further said that the statistics show that a high percentage of schools do not have access to clean and safe water, adequate sanitation and hygiene services.

"It is indeed not a secret that as a Country we do have our work cut out in so far as making clean and safe drinking water, adequate sanitation and hygiene services accessible and a reality to our 18 million Zambians," he said.

The Education Minister also said the status quo of water and sanitation in Zambia, if not well managed, may have a negative impact on the social and economic development of the Country with women, girls and children bearing the biggest negative impacts as they are often responsible for sourcing water from distant distances for household tasks.

"Poor access to WASH in schools affect the girl child who most time absent themselves during menstruation up to 5 days in some cases which already disadvantages them. Even at household level, girls are still burdened with the tasks of drawing water for household use. Time for studying is also reduced for schools that have to draw water from far places. Pupils are sent to drawing water during learning time or prep time. As we all maybe aware that the challenges of poor Water supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services are more pronounced in rural areas," he said.

Mr. Siakalima said the Zambia Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS 2018) reveals that drinking water coverage for rural areas stood at 58%, sanitation at 37% and hygiene at 15% while for unban water is at 92%, sanitation 78% and hygiene 36%.

"Where you find little or no investments put up to address the status quo to improve access to clean and safe drinking water, adequate sanitation and hygiene services, it is clear that we need more investments in rural areas. The New Dawn Government understands the importance of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene as a key enabler to socio-economic development. And that if and when WASH investments are rightly undertaken, it has the potential to trigger job creation and economic empowerment," he said.

"This learning event will help us understand the current status, challenges and opportunities (best practices) that will help us accelerate the attainment of universal access to wins. Our goal is to leave no one behind which entails that all facilities we construct must be inclusive to allow for usage by differently able pupils and teachers. Menstrual hygiene management is also critical to ensure equality among boys and girls in schools," he said.

He added that the Government's commitment to better the national health, water, sanitation and hygiene outcomes.

"Even through collaborations with key partners such as the organizers of this event, I wish to commit that my ministry would like this to become an annual event. I encourage my team here to work with you and our partners to actualize this," he said.

Mr. Siakalima reiterated that inadequate infrastructure and access to wash services are the key factors hindering stronger progress for the health of women and children provision of quality education services.

"This picture is gloomy in rural areas and this must be change," he said.

Mr. Siakalima said the New Dawn Government, therefore, increased the amount of CDF from K1.6million to now K30.6 million to allow homegrown solutions across all sectors.

"It, therefore, gives me pleasure to see that development partners like yourselves have risen to the challenge to change the narrative of how Government ought to collaborate with stakeholders. Government is well aware of the tremendous support and contribution that you make towards improving the quality of education of the Zambian people more especially for the girl child. As Government, we, therefore, recognise that we must continue to provide political leadership and will to ensure that we deal with the acceleration of the implementation of the National Standards and Strategy for WINS. Allow me to reiterate to the CPS to continue collaborating and supporting my Ministry to actualise the SDGs goal 4 and 6 on Education and WASH. I also extend my gratitude to the organizers for putting together such a transformative event. As Government, we will continue to require your technical and financial support in the implementation of various development activities in WASH in schools," he said.

Meanwhile, NGO WASH Forum National Coordinator, Bubala Muyovwe, said the NGO WASH Forum will work closely with Government to generate policies and implementation frameworks to improve the WASH Sector in Zambia.

Ms Muyovwe said the Consortium of WASH NGOs in Zambia recognises the importance of collaboration in improving the WASH Sector.

"We will delve into topics such as strengthening policy and advocacy, and brainstorm innovative solutions to bridge the gap in the WASH Sector. The Government's dedication is commendable for providing guidance and directives. We, therefore, applaud their leadership and hope that these efforts will bridge WASH gaps in schools across Zambia. A child's Right to education, water and sanitation is fundamental. Let us work together to create a healthy, safe and a conducive atmosphere in response to children's Rights. Let us invest in WASH to invest in the future. To our members, I thank you for your tireless efforts to see a flourishing WASH Sector," she said.

The event held under the auspices of the NGO WASH Forum was powered by the Bremen Overseas Research and Development Association Zambia (BORDA Zambia), Habitat for Humanity Zambia and WaterAID Zambia.

 

Minister Gwede Mantashe announces adjustment of fuel prices effective from 3 January 2024

South Africa’s fuel prices are adjusted monthly, informed by international and local factors

By Daily News Reporter The Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Mr. Gwede Mantashe, has announced the adjustment of fuel prices based on current local and international factors with effect from the 3rd of January 2024. South Africa’s fuel prices are adjusted monthly, informed by international and local factors. International factors include the fact that South Africa imports both crude oil and finished products at a price set at the international level, including importation costs, e.g., shipping costs. The main reasons for the fuel price adjustments are due to: 1. Crude oil prices The average Brent Crude oil price decreased from 82.62 US Dollars (USD) to 77.35 USD during the period under review, mainly due to increased production by the United States of America, Venezuela, Guyana, and other non-OPEC countries despite the announcement by OPEC to cut production. 2. International petroleum product prices The average international product prices of petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin decreased in line with the lower crude oil prices. LPG prices increased due to higher freight cost. These factors led to lower contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices of petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin by 50.83 c/l, 105.81 c/l and 99.00 c/l, respectively. 3. Rand/US Dollar exchange rate The Rand depreciated slightly on average, against the US Dollar (from 18.57 to 18.66 Rand per USD) during the period under review when compared to the previous one. This led to higher contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices of petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin by 5.30 c/l, 5.83 c/l and 6.00 c/l, respectively. 4. Implementation of the Slate Levy The cumulative slate balance on petrol and Diesel at the end of November 2023 had a positive balance of R1.8 billion. Therefore, a slate levy of zero c/l will be implemented in the price structure of petrol and diesel with effect from the 3rd of January 2024. This means that the motorists will benefit by 26.32 cents per liter since the slate levy will decrease from 26.32 to zero cents per liter. 5. Octane differential between 95 and 93 petrol grades In line with the Working Rules to determine the Basic Fuels Prices (BFP), the 95 octane (unleaded) grade is the price-marker grade and the BFP-differential between 95 and 93 octanes is adjusted on the first Wednesday of each quarter. The BFP Octane differential has changed during the previous quarter and therefore the retail prices of 95 and 93 petrol octanes will be different in each fuel- pricing zone with effect from the 3rd of January 2024. Based on current local and international factors, the fuel prices for January 2024 will be adjusted as follows: Petrol (93 ULP & LRP): Sixty-two cents per liter (62.00 c/l) decrease. Petrol (95 ULP & LRP): Seventy-six cents per liter (76.00 c/l) decrease. Diesel (0.05% Sulphur): One hundred and eighteen point three two cents per liter (118.32 c/l) decrease. Diesel (0.005% Sulphur): One hundred and twenty-six point three two cents per liter (126.32 c/l) decrease. Illuminating Paraffin (wholesale): Ninety-three cents per liter (93.00 c/l) decrease. SMNRP for IP: One hundred and twenty-four cents per liter (124.00 c/l) decrease. Maximum LP Gas Retail Price: Eleven cents per kilogram (11.00 c/kg) increase.

 CAN A PERSON WITH DIABETES HIS WOUNDS HEAL FAST

By Daily News Reporter

In people with diabetes, wounds can take longer to heal. These wounds often appear on the feet and legs. This slow healing can increase the risk of developing infections and other complications.

A Diabetes prevalence (% of population ages 20 to 79) in Zambia was reported at 11.9% in 2021 according to the world bank collection of development indicators, complied from recognized sources Zambia –Diabetes prevalence.

A person who manages their diabetes well can improve the rate at which wounds heal and reduce the likelihood of a severe infection.

Many of these people will experience complications as a result of infected wounds.

Let us look at the effects of diabetes on wound healing and consider ways to reduce the risk of complications. Minor wounds, cuts, and burns are an unfortunate but unavoidable part of life. However, for people with diabetes, these injuries can lead to serious health issues.

Many people with diabetes develop wounds that are slow to heal, do not heal well, or never heal. Sometimes, an infection might develop.

An infection can also spread to tissue and bone near the wound or reach more distant areas of the body. In some cases, if a person does not receive emergency care, an infection can be life threatening or even fatal.

Even when an infection does not develop in a wound, slow healing can adversely affect a person’s overall health and quality of life. Cuts or injuries on the feet or legs can make walking difficult and lead to pain when exercising.

It is essential that people who have diabetes keep their blood sugar levels under control to reduce the risk of slow-healing wounds and complications, including foot ulcers.

According to some reports, foot ulcers will develop in about 1 in 4 people with diabetes. Foot ulcers are painful sores that can ultimately lead to foot amputation. If a person with a foot ulcer has peripheral neuropathy, a form of nerve damage that can be associated with diabetes, they may not feel any pain.

According to a 2020 article, diabetes contributes to 25-90 of all amputations within studied populations. Other research has shown that the risk of diabetes-related amputation is more than three times higher among Black Americans than among people belonging to other racial and ethnic groups.

 Smokers it’s never too late to quit Smoking

 

By Daily News Reporter

 

My name is jack (name with held) Banda I stay in Chibolya compound in Lusaka I want to give you my history when is started smoking.

I began smoking for one simple reason: everyone around me did it.

Both my parents were heavy smokers. I started smoking at 15, sneaking cigarettes from them when they weren't looking. I wasn't alone, and as the youngest of five, all of my brothers and sisters picked it up. At one point, everyone in the house smoked. When I was 17, my parents started sending me to the store with a note saying that I had permission to buy cigarettes for myself and for the rest of the family.

Other adults I knew growing up and many of my classmates also smoked. My friends and I often smoked on our way home from school, walking along the zesco power line so we didn't get caught. But even if we did, it wasn't a big deal. Smoking was just what everyone did in the compound.

Over the years, smoking became less of something I did on occasion and more of an addiction. I married at the age of 22 to a woman who was also a smoker, and so smoking continued to be a part of my life. By my early 30s, I was smoking about a pack a day and smoking was intertwined into my daily routine. Wake up, have a cigarette. Eat breakfast, have a cigarette. After lunch I will smoke cigarette.

How much I smoked was often related to my levels of stress. When I was between jobs, I smoked more than when I was working. Once, after I had been laid off, I was up to two packs a day.

Over time, many people around me quit smoking. Both of my parents and most of my siblings are smokefree. I, too, tried to quit smoking a couple of times. A few years ago, I noticed that my health was declining and it was harder for me to keep up with my two children, who desperately wanted me to quit. I could go three weeks without a cigarette, and then my wife would walk by smelling like a cigarette and I'd light up again. Or something stressful happened and I’d need the cigarette to calm my nerves.

The timing wasn't right before, but it is now. Smoking has always been there, a constant in my life, but that's about to change. At the age of 56, I am finally ready to quit smoking for good.

 

 PMRC PROJECTS A 4% ECONOMIC GROWTH FOR ZAMBIA IN 2024

 

By Daily News Reporter

 

The Policy Monitoring and Research Centre (PMRC) has projected Zambia’s economic growth to increase to above 4% in 2024 following the continued policy reforms.

 

PMRC Executive Director, Sydney Mwamba said Zambia’s Economic outlook for 2024 remains positive with growth projected to increase due to higher global copper prices as well as the market confidence associated with ongoing fiscal consolidation measures.

In a statement issued to Daily News in Lusaka today, Mr Mwamba noted that the country, in 2023, made significant advancements with regards to enhancing human development through increased investment in education.

 

He outlined the government's introduction of the Free Education Policy, as one of the key milestones of 2023.

 

Mr Mwamba highlighted that in June, 2023, Government recorded another milestone by reaching a staff-level agreement with the Official Creditor Committee (OCC) on a debt treatment that is in line with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme parameters and agreed on the Memorandum of Understanding in October 2023.

 

“These developments are significant strides towards achieving long-term debt sustainability for Zambia. Going forward, Government has continued to seek agreements with private creditors, including Eurobond holders, consistent with the program parameters and on comparable terms, as defined by the official bilateral creditors,” he said.

 

Mr Mwamba suggested that these measures will help improve the business environment and consequently macroeconomic parameters key to economic stabilisation.

 

He urged Zambian government to consistently maintain positive ties both bilaterally and multilaterally in the area of international cooperation.

 

He further stated that the bilateral relations include the ongoing efforts by the United States government to restructure its partnership with Zambia, by enhancing its cooperation between the two countries as well as the State visit to Zambia by Germany President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier which signified a pivotal moment in strengthening of bilateral ties and the pursuit of shared developmental goals between the two nations.

He added noted that the organisation remains committed to supporting development partners in developing evidence-based policy recommendations for the effective delivery of the national development agenda.

 

“In this regard, we shall continue to partner with like-minded institutions to promote and encourage dialogue and debate on social and economic policy issues critical to national development,” Mwamba said.

 

 

AIRTEL AFRICA APPOINTS SUNIL TALDAR AS MANAGING DIRECTOR AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE

By Daily News reporter

Airtel Africa plc has today announced the retirement of the Chief Executive Officer, Olusegun “Segun” Ogunsanya, with effect from 1 July, 2024. Mr. Ogunsanya, who joined Airtel in 2012, ran the Nigeria Operations of the Telecommunications and mobile money company for nine years before his appointment as Chief Executive Officer of the Group in 2021. With local knowledge of the African landscape and deep distribution experience he led the company in maintaining double-digit revenue growth over many quarters and to deliver new, innovative products to its customers across the continent.

 

Building on the work undertaken during his time as CEO, including the launch of the Company’s first Sustainability Strategy, and given his deep experience across Africa, Mr. Ogunsanya will become the Airtel Africa Charitable Foundation’s inaugural Chair.

The Charitable Foundation will accelerate the Company’s commitment to its sustainability initiatives and charitable operations across its locations in Africa. The Charitable Foundation’s objectives will focus on promoting digital inclusion, financial inclusion, access to education, and environmental protection. The Charitable Foundation will be a separate legal entity and be independent of the Airtel Africa Group.

 

Following his retirement from Airtel Africa plc, Mr. Ogunsanya will also be available to advise the Chairman, the Airtel Africa Board and Chief Executive Officer for a 12-month period.

 

The Company also announced the appointment of Sunil Taldar as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer to succeed Mr. Ogunsanya on his retirement. Mr. Taldar, who joined Airtel Africa in October 2023 as Director – Transformation, will begin the transition to the CEO role, working alongside Mr. Ogunsanya.

Following a transition period, Mr. Taldar will be appointed to the Board as an Executive Director and assume the role of CEO on 1 July 2024, at which time Mr. Ogunsanya will step down from the Board and retire from the Company.

 

Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairman of Airtel Africa plc said: “On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Segun Ogansanya for his commitment and significant contribution to Airtel Africa plc as Chief Executive and before that as Managing Director and CEO of Nigeria, our largest market in Africa.

 

“I am pleased Segun has agreed, following his retirement, to assume the new role as Chair of the Airtel Africa Charitable Foundation, where he will bring his visionary leadership to this new philanthropic initiative to advance development and prosperity across Africa. Segun will retire from the Board with our very best wishes and sincere appreciation for everything he has achieved.

“The Board is delighted to appoint Sunil Taldar as the Group's next Chief Executive Officer.

His industry experience, strategic vision, constant customer focus and proven record of delivery will enable him to deliver our strategic objectives and to lead the Group in the next stages of its development.

“In respect of the transition period, Segun continues to lead the business very effectively as seen in our financial results. Given that Sunil Taldar has already joined the Group, we are confident that we will have an orderly leadership transition and handover of responsibilities.”

Segun Ogunsanya, Chief Executive said: “It has been a privilege to spend over 12 years of my career at Airtel Africa and I am proud of what we have delivered for customers across Africa.”

“We continue to transform lives. Now is the right time for me to handover to a new leader who can build on Airtel Africa’s strengths and deliver on the significant opportunities ahead as I pursue my renewed interest in the empowerment of Africans through digital and financial inclusion in a different capacity beyond the boundaries of for-profit organizations. This has been my ambition after a successful career spanning over 35 years in Banking, FMCG and Telecommunications”.