TB REMAINS ONE OF THE TOP TEN CAUSES OF MORTALITY AND MORBIDITY IN ZAMBIA

By Daily News Reporter

The Ministry of Health has revealed that Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the top ten causes of mortality and morbidity in Zambia, particularly affecting people living with HIV, despite being a preventable disease. TB still remains among the top ten causes of mortality in Zambia The TB mortality rate among people living with HIV and those not infected with HIV in Zambia stands at 74/100,000 and 30/100,000, respectively.

During a Media Café Meeting in Lusaka, Ministry of Health Spokesperson Dr. Kalangwa Kalangwa, stated that a significant uptake of TB preventive medicines among people living with HIV, has exceeded to 90%. However, he noted that low uptake of less than 50% among HIV-negative individuals who are also at risk.

Dr.Kalangwa highlighted that hesitancy is prevalent among this group because they do not exhibit TB symptoms and thus believe they cannot benefit from the preventive treatment. He emphasized the importance of encouraging individuals with certain risk factors to visit health facilities for TB screening. If they do not show symptoms suggestive of TB, they should be offered TB preventive fit kits.

To combat TB in Zambia effectively its necessity of promoting TB screening and preventive measures among all at-risk groups. The Ministry offers various treatment duration options tailored to patient preferences and clinical assessments, ranging from one month to six months.

 Additionally, Dr. Kalangwa assured that Zambia has maintained a consistent supply of all necessary commodities for TB screening, diagnosis, and treatment for the past eight years, underscoring the country's commitment to tackling this public health issue.    It was in November 2021, Beatrice kangwa (name withheld) who hails from Chongwe District diagnosed with TB at the youthful age of 26. The first symptom she noticed was the persistent cough. She felt it needed immediate medical attention and consulted her local doctor. The diagnosis by the local doctor was that she was allergic to sweets and fried food. She took the advice and followed the prescribed medicines and got rid of her cough which returned soon and this time in the company of a low-grade fever.

The doctor prescribed more tests and x-ray. After looking at her x-ray, the astonished doctor immediately referred her to a specialist at levy Mwanawasa university teaching hospital in Lusaka. By now she feared the worst and the doctor immediately assured her that it wasn’t cancer but TB.

To confirm it the specialist doctor recommended more tests and they all validated it. Her immediate concern was whether she could be infecting her family members with such a contagious disease.

“More than the disease, it is the stigma that is harder to fight. I remember I went into a shell, scared that people might keep away thinking it’s contagious. I wondered who will marry me. Will this affect my siblings and their chance of getting married?” She recalls.

To her slight relief the doctor said her that her TB being extra-pulmonary was non-infectious. Reassured, she started her treatment under the specialist doctor's observation. A week passed by and the side effects from the medicines took a toll on her body. She started vomiting and had a constant uneasiness in her stomach. She contacted her doctor and altered her dosage. The new TB medication was less problematic and in a short span her body also adapted to the TB medication. She started to lead her 'somewhat regular life'. The doctor assured her that in nine months she would be TB free and she was eagerly looking forward to it.

Unexpected Road blocks as it was nearing the course of nine months, she noticed a bulge on the right side of her chest wall. She immediately brought it to the notice of the doctor whore commended a surgery. By then it was near to ten months of treatment and with the bulge she continued the medication for another two more months. During this period in every three months she regularly underwent x-ray and blood tests.

The doctor made sure that she was responding to the second line treatment well." I felt better and became hopeful again. And in 2011, I was declared TB free," she says.

In most cases, TB-affected individuals are often left on their own to deal with their struggles. If TB and its long treatment with numerous side effects were not bad enough mental health challenges combined with stigma make things worse.

TB, the Best Teacher!“ One thing I learned is that it is very important to talk about the stigma of TB. Silence was not an option for me. Remember stigma impacts you deeply. If you have TB talk to someone whom you trust. Don't suffer in silence. Let us fight TB together. TB had disrupted my life on multiple levels. I dreamt of a perfectly married life at26 and babies by 29 and watch them grow for the rest of my life. All of them went awry. Dealing with TB taught me a few lessons. I realized that I was craving an easy life with no difficulties. Surviving TB turned out to be the best teacher for me as I learnt that pain is the only way to grow. TB is curable. Let us collectively fight against it. The right diagnosis, proper treatment and the much-needed awareness about it are necessary to defeat TB. We must fight against TB, not those affected by it,” she added.

 

NISIR STARTS TRIALS ON DROUGHT RESISTANT CASSAVA AND SWEET POTATOES

By Daily News Reporter

The National Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research (NISIR) is conducting trials on drought-resistant varieties of cassava and sweet potatoes. These trials aim to recommend crops suitable for the southern part of the country, which has been severely affected by drought.

 

Dr. Alinesi Chakwiya, Head of NISIR’s Plant Science Research Center, explained that they are focusing on varieties that require minimal water but can still thrive and provide sustenance. Specifically, the drier regions, such as Southern Province, will be recommended for crops like sorghum, sweet potatoes, and cassava—plants known for their ability to withstand long dry spells.

 

The cassava trials are expected to span a minimum of three years, while sweet potato trials will take around a year and a half. Once completed, NISIR will be able to recommend specific crops for planting in drought conditions.

And Technology and Science Minister Felix Mutati has encouraged NISIR to identify crops suitable for each province, emphasizing the importance of regional recommendations to enhance food security at the household level.

 

 

 

“Africa will be the pivotal continent in the world, given its economic prospects”—African Development Bank Group President

By Daily News Reporter

Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group, recently delivered an inspiring address at Chatham House, emphasizing Africa’s untapped potential and abundant opportunities. In his presentation titled “Envisioning Africa’s Economic Prospects,”

 Adesina highlighted several key points:

Tremendous Opportunities in Africa:

Africa is characterized by a young, dynamic, and vibrant workforce.

The continent has massive renewable energy potential, abundant biodiversity resources, and rapid regional integration.

Innovative solutions are being developed to unlock Africa’s vast natural capital.

Resilience Amid Global Challenges:

Despite global challenges, Africa’s economies remain resilient.

The continent is the second-fastest-growing region after Asia.

The African Economic Outlook Report1 indicates 3.7% economic growth for 2024, projected to increase to 4.3% in 2025.

Fifteen countries achieved real growth rates of at least 5%, and half of the world’s 20 fastest-growing economies are in Africa.

Overcoming Headwinds:

To achieve strong economic prospects and resilience, Africa must address significant challenges.

These challenges include tackling climate change, managing rising debt, and implementing critical global financial reforms.

Adesina emphasized the need for structural changes in African economies, increased agricultural productivity, expanded infrastructure investments, accelerated digitalization, and greater private sector mobilization. By doing so, Africa can unlock its economic potential and play a pivotal role in the world economy.

 

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)