BE INCLUSIVE IN HEALTH SERVICES - PWDs

"Us Persons With Disabilities in Zambia we are facing a lot of challenges when it comes seek sexual reproductive health services in health facilities across the country," Banda

By Daily News Reporter

Youth in Action for Disability Inclusion in Zambia (YADIZ) Ian Banda speaking at the panel discussion with media in Lusaka stated that they is need for people with disabilities to be given the same respect and dignity as all humans and by not showing them the misconception and discrimination that people with disabilities are not sexually active and are unable to reproduce.

He further said this shows that discrimination deters people with disabilities from accessing these services, making them vulnerable to HIV and Aids.

He also noted that most health facilities lack ramps for physically challenged individuals and sign interpreters to communicate their needs.

Meanwhile, HIV activist and disability advocate who is also founder of position movement Nsofwa Sampa, added that the importance of understanding their rights and reporting cases of abuse without fear or favor.

She urged parents to take the lead in empowering their children living with disabilities and for the media to be watchdogs and provide adequate information on the challenges faced by persons with compounded vulnerability and the various types of disabilities,

Furthermore, Nsofwa called for stakeholders and government to provide a positive image on issues surrounding sexual reproductive health services and to establish infrastructure that speaks to persons with disabilities in various health facilities, such as Rams.

Sampa said that many persons with disabilities are vulnerable to HIV due to a lack of a platform for reporting their issues.

ZAFOD has been concerned about the stigma and communication barriers faced by young people with disabilities when accessing sexual and reproductive health services.

A Research that was conducted by Cheshire Homes has shown that people with compounding vulnerabilities have limited access to sexual reproductive health services at health centers due to social, environmental, infrastructure, and communication barriers.

BARRIERS FACED BY PERSON WITH DISABILITIES:

Limited education opportunities for PWD on SRH issues	1
Individual level	Sex (gender)
	Socio-cultural/religious beliefs and practices
	Refugee status
	Low literacy rates among disabled people
	Lack of knowledge/ignorance (awareness) on SRH issues
	Communication barrier
	Lack of self-efficacy
Community level	Negative public attitudes towards PWDs’ sexuality issues
	Stigma and discrimination against disabled patients
	Sexual violence and abuse at the community level
	Lack of community or family support network
Health system/institutional level	Poor interpersonal relationships
	Limited/lack of knowledge/capacity on PWD SRH issues
	Insensitivity/negative attitudes
	Discrimination
	Limited consultation time
	Inaccessibility or lack of SRH information/resources
	Low staff capacity/numbers
	Lack of access to HIV counseling and testing
	Lack of adaptation of health information to suit PWDs
	Lack of privacy and confidential services
	Lack of translators/sign language specialists
	Limited availability of special outreach services for antenatal and postnatal care targeting persons with disabilities.
	Stock outs of medicine/medical services
	Lack of wheelchairs/mobility aids
	Unfriendly HIV/aids education materials
	Long waiting times
	Disability unfriendly physical infrastructure
	Lack of adjustable beds for delivery

 RTSA SPEED TICKETS PAYMENTS GO ONLINE

By Daily News Reporter

The Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA), has introduced an efficient process for motorists to pay for speed tickets online.

The Agency has come up with this initiative to enhance efficiency and compliance among offenders as motorists can now conveniently pay their speed fines online within 14 days of issuance of the RTSA ticket.

The RTSA would however like to remind motorists that after the 14-day window, failure to settle the ticket will result in the vehicle being blocked by the system.

The Agency will extend this to all offences, apart from those with fines exceeding K450.00, which require prosecution in a court of law.

This will enhance road safety measures, speed cameras which are operational 24 hours a day can enforce compliance with Road Tax, Fitness, and Road Service Licence.

The Agency urges motor vehicle owners to ensure there is a change of ownership when a vehicle has been sold as per requirement under section 13 of the Road Traffic Act No. 11 of 2002.

Motorists should also prioritize compliance with traffic regulations and promptly address any outstanding fines online to avoid inconveniences.

The implementation of these measures aligns with our commitment to foster a safe and responsible driving environment.

 ZRA DONATES TOWARDS CHOLERA FIGHT

The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has donated Five Hundred Thousand Kwacha (K500, 000) to the Ministry of Health to support efforts aimed at mitigating the effects of the cholera outbreak.

Of the total amount, Three Hundred Thousand Kwacha (K300, 000) is meant to provide the Ministry of Health with at least Ten Thousand liters of fuel.

50 selected vehicles from the Ministry of Health have since started drawing the fuel from an established service station.

The donation also includes Fifty Thousand pairs of surgical gloves and 200 blankets.

ZRA believes that individuals, families and organisations have an important role to play in mitigating effects of an outbreak such as cholera.

We understand that the Ministry of Health has a leading role in fighting the cholera outbreak but also know that to effectively fulfil this role, other organisations need to identify their strengths and partner with the Ministry.

The fight against the cholera outbreak calls for a multi-sectoral approach and ZRA will support efforts by the Ministry of Health to improve public health.

At organisation level, ZRA has taken measures to enforce guidelines provided by the Ministry of Health to fight the cholera outbreak. We have re-enforced hygiene and sanitation measures within the premises.

ZRA has also placed trash bins at its offices to allow individuals and the business community around ZRA dispose of their garbage in a proper manner.

 LCC IN 200 THOUSAND KWACHA CHOLERA KIT DONATION FROM THE ZAMBIA CHINESE ASSOCIATION.

By Daily News Reporter

The Zambia Chinese Association has donated Anti-Cholera kits totaling 200 Thousand Kwacha to Lusaka City Council through the office of the Lusaka Mayor.

The donated items which include Chlorine, Soap, wash basins, medical alcohol, gloves and soaps is part of the Cholera response system which is aimed at ensuring that front-line staff stay protected in their execution of duty amid the pandemic.

Speaking when she received the donation from the Zambia Chinese Association, Lusaka Mayor, Her Worship, Ms. Chilando Chitangala described the gesture as timely and a great step in combating the Cholera pandemic.

Ms. Chitangala said that the Cholera pandemic had become a Public Health Emergency owing to the increasing numbers of new infections and lives lost since October of 2023 when the first case was announced.

"Am very honored to receive this donation on behalf of the local authority and through the council to the people we serve, Cholera has become a Public Health threat because as seen from statistics shared by the Ministry of Health, at least 200 deaths and more than 9 thousand people are said to have contracted Cholera since October 2023, the numbers are alarming," remarked the Mayor.

And Ms. Chitangala has used the gesture by the Zambia Chinese Association to lobby for more support if Cholera is to be defeated.

The mayor has since thanked the Government, the World Health Organisation - WHO and other collaborating partners for joining efforts in the implementation of measures around improved water and sanitation in all Cholera hotspot areas including enhanced surveillance and sensitization.

And Zambia Chinese Association Vice President Xu Z. Oiong has expressed her Association's deep desire to partner with the Lusaka City Council and government by offering assistance towards enhancing control and treatment of the Cholera pandemic.

Ms. Oiong reiterated her organization's resolve to stand with Zambia in facing the Cholera challenge, adding that her organization considers Zambia as a home for all the people of the Republic Of China.

 

Human rights records of 14 States to be examined by Universal Periodic Review mechanism

The UPR is a unique mechanism of the Human Rights Council that calls for each UN Member State to undergo a peer review of its human rights records every four-and-a-half years

By Daily News Reporter Fourteen States will have their human rights records examined during the 45th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group to be held in Geneva from 22 January to 2 February 2024. The UPR is a unique mechanism of the Human Rights Council that calls for each UN Member State to undergo a peer review of its human rights records every four-and-a-half years. The UPR Working Group comprises the entire membership of the 47-member Human Rights Council and other UN Member or Observer States wishing to take part. The States to be reviewed by the UPR Working Group during this 45th session are, in order of scheduled review: Saudi Arabia, Senegal, China, Nigeria, Mauritius, Mexico, Jordan, Malaysia, the Central African Republic, Monaco, Belize, Chad, the Congo and Malta. This will be the fourth time these 14 States will undergo a UPR examination. High-level delegations representing the 14 countries are expected to present the efforts they have made to fulfil their human rights obligations and commitments, particularly since their last UPR, assessing positive developments and identifying challenges.

 ALL EMPLYERS TO CONTRIBUTE TO NAPSA TO AVOLD PENALTIES

 By Daily News Reporter

"The Waiver will apply to all the penalties incurred prior to and after the enactment of the National pension Scheme Regulations for 2024," Muyangwa 

On 8th January 2024 the Minister of Labour and Social Security Hon. Brenda Tambatamba signed the law the National Pension Scheme Penalty Waiver Regulations of 2024 which will promote investment and job creation through the reeducation of the cost of doing business.

Speaking to the media in Lusaka NAPSA Director General Mr. Muyangwa Muyangwa said that the Waiver will provide financial relief to employers by offering an opportunity to settle outstanding contributions without the fear of facing penalties,

"Employers wishing to access the penalty waiver must pay all the outstanding principles contributions," Muyangwa said.

He further urged the employers to seize this opportunity and regularize their statutory contributions payments with the scheme for them to benefit from the relief and avoid court action that NAPSA will institute to the recover of the debt after the lapse of the penalty waiver provisions.

And NAPSA  so far has paid partial withdraw K9.2 billion against the target of K11 Billion and the outstanding penalty waiver is 31.1 Billion. 

 Airtel Zambia ‘connects’ the Africa Cup of Nations with K800,000 through ZNBC TV

 

By Daily News Reporter

Airtel Zambia Networks have joined other companies to become platinum sponsors of the on-going Total Energies Africa Cup of Nations coverage on the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC).

The Total Energies Africa Cup of Nations stands as the preeminent international men's football competition in Africa, featuring 53 games. Airtel Zambia is delighted to collaborate with ZNBC to ensure that all ardent football enthusiasts in Zambia can revel in this spectacular showcase. The return of Chipolopolo to the tournament for this edition adds an extra layer of excitement.

Making the title sponsorship announcement, in Lusaka this morning, Airtel’s Interim Managing Director, Mr. Hussam Baday, expressed the company's excitement to be a part of the AFCON tournament through the sponsorship. He highlighted Airtel Zambia's consistent support for sports in the country, citing initiatives like the Airtel Rising Stars and various other projects.

"Through this commitment, we aim to strengthen our ties with stakeholders and customers by participating in exciting, celebratory events, including those involving our beloved Chipolopolo. This sponsorship with ZNBC marks a milestone agreement, ensuring that millions of Zambians can watch all the games live and most importantly can watch the games on the Airtel TV using the MY Airtel App, “ Baday Said.

He added: “Airtel TV is an innovative platform which enables subscribers to watch matches on the go or from the comfort of their offices or homes. For you not to miss any game, just download the My Airtel App on the app store or Google Play Store to access all the games. We remain dedicated to enhancing the Total Energies Africa Cup of Nations experience for all Zambian football enthusiasts, a reaffirmation of our commitment to sports and community engagement."