Bridging the Healthcare Gap: Over 500 Residents Benefit from Multi-Provincial Outreach in Chikankata

By Kachusha Nkosha | Health and Development Correspondent

CHIKUMBA VILLAGE, Chikankata District — For many residents of Chikumba Village in Southern Province, accessing healthcare often means traveling long distances over poor roads to reach the nearest health facility. But for one day, healthcare came directly to their doorstep.

More than 500 community members from over 115 households benefited from a comprehensive health outreach programme that brought together health professionals and development practitioners from nine provinces across Zambia. The initiative not only delivered critical health services but also renewed hope among residents who often struggle to access healthcare due to geographical and infrastructural challenges.

The outreach was conducted in partnership with Mubugu Health Post and drew volunteers from Southern, Muchinga, Eastern, Lusaka, Copperbelt, Western, Central, North-Western and Northern provinces. Their mission was simple yet impactful: take essential health services closer to the people.

From the early hours of the morning, community members gathered at the outreach site, eager to access services that are not always readily available in their rural setting. Health screenings, counselling sessions, awareness talks and preventive healthcare interventions transformed the village into a hub of learning and healing.

One of the key highlights of the outreach was the provision of screening services for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which are increasingly becoming a major public health concern in Zambia. Led by Dr. Namwinga, Dr. Kwehangana and Dr. Ndovie, the screenings enabled residents to assess their health status and receive guidance on disease prevention and management.

For many participants, it was their first opportunity to undergo health checks for conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.

The outreach also addressed a broad spectrum of health issues affecting different population groups. Men's wellness services were facilitated by Dr. Chungu, while HIV testing, counselling and antiretroviral therapy (ART) awareness were coordinated by Ms. Siangazi.

Recognising the importance of inclusive healthcare, discussions on menopause, disability inclusion, and menstrual health and hygiene were led by EDUFLARE Foundation Executive Director Ms. Mutali. The sessions created a safe space for participants to discuss topics that are often overlooked or surrounded by stigma.

Menstrual health discussions, in particular, attracted significant interest from women and adolescent girls who shared their experiences and challenges. The conversations highlighted the need for continued awareness and improved access to menstrual health products and information.

Meanwhile, male circumcision awareness and services were spearheaded by Mr. Mweemba, while stroke prevention and management education was facilitated by Ms. Chulu. Deworming interventions and RAMCAN services coordinated by Ms. Chabala further strengthened the outreach's preventive healthcare approach.

Water, sanitation and hygiene remained another important focus area. Youth WASH Ambassador Club (YWAC) Consultant Ms. Kachusha Nkosha led awareness sessions emphasizing the critical role of hygiene in disease prevention and overall community wellbeing.

Participants were encouraged to adopt proper handwashing practices, improve sanitation around their homes, and prioritize safe water use to reduce the burden of preventable diseases.

Beyond healthcare services, the outreach provided a platform for community members to voice broader development concerns affecting their daily lives.

Residents cited the poor road network as one of the biggest obstacles to accessing healthcare and other essential services. During discussions with the visiting team, community members explained how transportation challenges often delay access to medical care, particularly during emergencies.

The outreach therefore became more than a health intervention—it evolved into a conversation about rural development and the importance of improving infrastructure to support community wellbeing.

Amid the serious discussions and medical consultations, the event was also marked by moments of joy and unity. Community members joined health workers and volunteers in singing the popular local song "Njalibobu Njalijibotu," creating an atmosphere of togetherness that reflected the spirit of collaboration behind the initiative.

One of the most inspiring moments came when Dr. Majata, a native of the area, shared his vision for the future of Chikumba Village.

Speaking during the outreach, he expressed a desire to contribute to the long-term development of the community through the establishment of a health facility.

He noted that creating a clinic within the village would significantly improve access to healthcare services while serving as a meaningful way of giving back to the community where he grew up.

His remarks were warmly received by residents, many of whom expressed hope that such a facility could one day become a reality.

The Chikumba Village outreach demonstrated the power of collaboration in addressing healthcare inequalities. By bringing together healthcare professionals, community organisations, local health facilities and development advocates, the initiative succeeded in reaching hundreds of people who might otherwise have remained underserved.

As Zambia continues pursuing universal health coverage and equitable healthcare access, programmes such as this offer a practical example of how community-based interventions can bridge service delivery gaps and improve health outcomes.

For the people of Chikumba Village, the outreach was not simply about receiving medical services. It was a reminder that quality healthcare should not be determined by geography and that when communities and professionals work together, meaningful change is possible.

The smiles, conversations and renewed sense of hope witnessed throughout the day reflected a simple but powerful truth: bringing healthcare closer to the people can transform lives.

 

 Global Movement Gains Momentum to Make Big Tobacco Pay for Health and Environmental Harm

By Alain Kabinda

A growing international movement is calling on governments to hold tobacco companies financially accountable for the enormous health, economic, and environmental costs associated with tobacco use, arguing that the industry should no longer be allowed to profit while communities bear the burden of its harmful products.

The call comes as civil society organizations across several countries mark the Global Week of Action to Make Big Tobacco Pay, a campaign aimed at pushing governments to recover the healthcare and environmental costs generated by the tobacco industry each year.

From Latin America to Africa and Asia, health advocates are mobilizing citizens, policymakers, and public health organizations around a common message: tobacco companies must be held responsible for the damage caused by their products.

According to campaign organizers, tobacco remains one of the world's leading causes of preventable death, claiming approximately eight million lives annually and contributing to a range of diseases including cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and chronic respiratory illnesses.

Yet while the human toll is widely recognized, advocates say the broader financial and environmental costs are often overlooked.

Research cited by campaigners estimates that tobacco-related illnesses and environmental pollution cost society more than US$1.4 trillion annually. These costs include healthcare expenditures, productivity losses, and the cleanup of tobacco-related waste that accumulates in communities around the world.

At the forefront of the campaign is Daniel Dorado, Tobacco Campaign Director at Corporate Accountability, who argues that the tobacco industry has built a profitable business model while shifting the true costs onto governments and taxpayers.

“No matter where we live or what we look like, everyone deserves to lead a healthy life. But the tobacco industry sells dangerous and deadly products at huge profits. Meanwhile, we all pay—with our lives, our taxes, and our environment,” he said.

While tobacco's health effects are well documented, campaigners say its environmental footprint receives far less attention.

Cigarette butts remain the most littered item in the world. Made from plastic-based filters, they often end up in streets, rivers, lakes, and oceans, where they release toxic chemicals into ecosystems.

The rise of electronic cigarettes has created additional environmental concerns. Discarded vaping devices contain plastics, batteries, and chemical residues that present new waste-management challenges for communities and local authorities.

Advocates argue that taxpayers ultimately fund much of the cleanup while tobacco companies continue generating significant profits.

According to campaign organizers, tobacco corporations collectively earn close to US$1 trillion in annual revenue, making the industry one of the most lucrative sectors globally.

Supporters of the campaign believe there is already a framework available to hold the industry accountable.

They point to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, the world's first public health treaty, which has been ratified by 183 countries.

Among its provisions is Article 19, which encourages governments to explore legal and financial liability measures against the tobacco industry for the harms caused by its products.

Health advocates note that accountability can take many forms beyond large-scale lawsuits. Governments can adopt policies requiring tobacco companies to contribute toward healthcare costs, environmental cleanup, and prevention programmes.

The Global Week of Action includes activities in countries such as Mexico, Brazil, the United States, the Philippines, Nigeria, and Ghana, where civil society organizations are engaging policymakers and the public on the need for stronger industry accountability.

Campaigners are also gathering public support through a global petition that has already attracted tens of thousands of signatures from people demanding action against tobacco-related harms.

For many public health advocates, the movement reflects a broader shift in how societies view corporate responsibility.

Rather than focusing solely on reducing tobacco consumption, campaigners are increasingly asking whether companies that profit from harmful products should bear a greater share of the resulting costs.

The campaign's message resonates strongly across Africa, where governments continue to face rising rates of non-communicable diseases and growing pressure on public healthcare systems.

In Zambia and many other African countries, health advocates have recently intensified calls for stronger tobacco control measures, including restrictions on marketing, protection of young people from nicotine addiction, and implementation of comprehensive tobacco legislation.

Supporters argue that making tobacco companies contribute to the costs associated with tobacco-related illnesses could help strengthen healthcare systems, fund prevention programmes, and reduce the burden on taxpayers.

As the campaign gains momentum, organizers say the issue is fundamentally about fairness.

They argue that communities should not be forced to pay for the consequences of products that are known to cause disease, environmental damage, and premature death.

To recognize efforts advancing this cause, Corporate Accountability has announced the creation of the Yul Dorado Make Big Tobacco Pay Award, which will honor governments, organizations, and advocates demonstrating leadership in promoting tobacco industry accountability and health justice.

For campaigners, the goal is clear: ensure that tobacco companies bear responsibility for the harms associated with their products and contribute to building healthier, more sustainable societies.

As governments worldwide continue searching for ways to improve public health and reduce healthcare costs, the demand to make Big Tobacco pay is rapidly evolving from an advocacy slogan into a global call for accountability, justice, and corporate responsibilities.

 MTN MoMo Deepens Financial Inclusion Drive With New POS Integration

By Alain Kabinda

MTN Mobile Money Limited (MTN MoMo) has expanded its digital payment ecosystem by enabling customers to make payments for goods and services through Stanbic Bank Point of Sale (POS) machines nationwide, a move expected to accelerate financial inclusion and support Zambia’s growing cashless economy.

The new integration makes Stanbic Bank the latest banking partner to accept MoMo payments on its POS network, joining First National Bank (FNB), United Bank for Africa (UBA), Indo Zambia Bank (IZB), and Zanaco. The development strengthens MTN MoMo’s position as the most widely available mobile money payment option across bank POS terminals in the country.

The solution allows MTN MoMo customers to pay for purchases by authorizing transactions on their mobile phones, while merchants receive instant confirmation through Stanbic Bank POS terminals. The process is designed to provide a faster, safer, and more convenient payment experience for both consumers and businesses.

Speaking during the launch, MTN MoMo Head of Strategy and Business Development, Pafyako Malema-Museba, described the partnership as a major milestone in expanding digital payment acceptance and promoting financial inclusion.

She said the addition of Stanbic Bank to MTN MoMo’s growing network of banking partners demonstrates the company’s commitment to ensuring customers can conveniently use mobile money services wherever they choose to transact.

“With FNB, UBA, IZB, Zanaco, and now Stanbic Bank POS terminals accepting MoMo payments, we have significantly expanded payment acceptance points and strengthened MoMo’s position as the most widely available mobile money payment option on bank POS infrastructure in Zambia,” she said.

Ms. Malema-Museba noted that the initiative supports MTN MoMo’s broader goal of building a more inclusive and cash-lite economy while providing merchants with efficient payment solutions that reduce cash handling risks.

For businesses, the integration opens access to millions of MTN MoMo users, creating opportunities for increased customer reach, quicker transactions, and improved convenience at checkout points.

And Stanbic Bank Head of Corporate and Investment Banking, Helen Lubamba, said the partnership aligns with the bank’s commitment to advancing inclusive financial services and expanding access to digital payments.

“At Stanbic Bank, we are committed to enabling seamless and inclusive financial solutions not only for our customers and merchants but also for the unbanked population. Integrating MTN MoMo into our POS network is a significant step in expanding digital payment acceptance and giving businesses access to a broader customer base,” she said.

Ms. Lubamba added that the collaboration will help businesses and consumers benefit from greater convenience while supporting Zambia’s transition toward a more digitally connected economy.

The rollout of MoMo payments on Stanbic Bank POS machines marks another milestone in Zambia’s digital finance landscape, reflecting growing collaboration between mobile money providers and financial institutions to enhance access to secure and convenient payment services.

Industry observers say such partnerships are increasingly important as the country continues to embrace digital financial services, with mobile money emerging as a key driver of financial inclusion, commerce, and economic growth.

The latest development reinforces MTN MoMo’s commitment to expanding access to digital financial services and creating more opportunities for Zambians to participate in the formal economy through innovative payment solutions.

 ZIPS Steps Up Fight for Professionalism in Procurement Sector,

By Alain kabinda

The Zambia Institute of Procurement and Supply (ZIPS) has commissioned its 2026 Inspectorate Team, signaling the start of a nationwide compliance exercise aimed at strengthening professional standards and accountability in procurement and supply management across Zambia.

The commissioning ceremony, held in Lusaka on May 30, marked the culmination of an intensive induction and orientation programme designed to prepare inspectors for one of the Institute's most critical regulatory functions.

Leading the commissioning was ZIPS President, Daniel Kabamba, who challenged the newly appointed inspectors to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and impartiality as they embark on their nationwide assignment.

"Inspections are not merely a regulatory requirement; they are an essential tool for safeguarding the integrity of the procurement and supply profession," Kabamba said.

The induction workshop was facilitated by ZIPS Vice President, Polite Hamaleka, and focused on equipping inspectors with the knowledge and competencies needed to effectively monitor compliance with the provisions of the Zambia Institute of Procurement and Supply Act.

Procurement and supply management play a vital role in ensuring transparency, efficiency, and value for money in both public and private institutions. As Zambia continues to pursue economic growth and improved public service delivery, the demand for qualified and ethical procurement professionals has become increasingly important.

Through its inspectorate function, ZIPS seeks to ensure that procurement and supply activities are conducted by appropriately qualified practitioners who adhere to established professional and ethical standards.

The 2026 inspection exercise is expected to begin in Lusaka during the first week of June before moving to the Copperbelt Province in the week commencing June 8. Subsequent inspections will be conducted in other provinces as part of a comprehensive national compliance programme.

According to the Institute, the exercise is intended not only to identify areas of non-compliance but also to support professional development and strengthen institutional procurement capacity.

Industry observers note that effective procurement systems are fundamental to reducing wastage, preventing corruption, and ensuring public resources are utilized efficiently.

By conducting regular inspections, ZIPS aims to reinforce accountability while encouraging practitioners to maintain active professional membership and engage in continuous professional development.

The initiative also serves as a reminder to organizations and procurement professionals of their obligation to comply with legal and professional requirements governing the sector.

As the inspection teams prepare to travel across the country, the Institute has urged practitioners to ensure they are fully compliant before inspections commence.

"Please do your part by ensuring that you are compliant today so that you are not found wanting," the Institute advised.

The commissioning of the 2026 Inspectorate Team reflects ZIPS' broader commitment to advancing excellence in procurement and supply management, a profession increasingly recognized as central to good governance, efficient public spending, and sustainable national development.

As inspectors fan out across the country in the coming weeks, their work is expected to contribute to stronger regulatory oversight, enhanced professional standards, and greater confidence in procurement systems within both the public and private sectors.

For ZIPS, the message is clear: professional compliance is not merely an obligation—it is a cornerstone of accountability, efficiency, and national progress.

 

 Beyond Pads: Global Advocates Call for Dignified Menstruation as a Human Right..

By Alain Kabinda

For millions of girls and women around the world, menstruation remains more than a monthly biological process. It is often accompanied by stigma, discrimination, poverty, and barriers that affect education, health, safety, and dignity.

As the world marked Menstrual Hygiene Day and the International Day of Action for Women’s Health, global advocates gathered to challenge conventional approaches to menstrual health, calling for a shift from simply providing menstrual products to recognizing menstruation as a fundamental human rights issue.

The discussions, held during the SHE & Rights session organized by the Women’s Global Network for Reproductive Rights (WGNRR) and its partners, brought together health experts, gender advocates, Media and policymakers from different parts of the world to examine the realities facing menstruators in an era marked by inflation, climate change, humanitarian crises, and growing inequalities.

At the centre of the conversation was Nepali nurse and activist Ms. Radha Paudel, who argued that dignified menstruation extends far beyond access to menstrual pads.

According to Ms. Paudel, stated that menstruation must be viewed through the lens of human rights, encompassing dignity, freedom, equality, and non-discrimination.

“Dignified menstruation is rooted in the right to dignity, the right to freedom, the right to equality, and the right to non-discrimination,” Ms. Paudel said.

Ms. Paudel emphasized that menstruators should be considered in all policy and emergency planning processes, including refugee camps, evacuation centres, disaster response programmes, and humanitarian interventions.

For Ms. Paudel, one of the biggest challenges is that menstrual discrimination remains deeply embedded in societies around the world.

She described menstrual discrimination as a complex issue that includes silence, stigma, harmful restrictions, exclusion, violence, deprivation of resources, and denial of services.

“These experiences reinforce unequal power relations and patriarchy,” Ms. Paudel said.

She further challenged the widespread use of the term “sanitary pads,” arguing that menstruation is natural and should not be associated with notions of impurity.

The dialogue also explored how global economic and environmental crises are worsening menstrual health challenges.

And Coordinator of the SHE & Rights campaign, Ms. Shobha Shukla, described the current global landscape as a “poly-crisis,” where inflation, climate-induced disasters, supply chain disruptions, and poverty are occurring simultaneously.

For an estimated 500 million people who experience period poverty worldwide, these overlapping crises have transformed menstrual hygiene from a basic health necessity into a difficult financial decision.

“Families are increasingly forced to prioritize food and fuel over menstrual products,” Ms. Shuka noted.

The impact is particularly severe in low-income communities, where rising prices have made menstrual products inaccessible for many households.

Climate change emerged as another major concern during the discussions.

Advocates highlighted how natural disasters frequently disrupt access to clean water, sanitation facilities, menstrual products, and safe spaces for women and girls.

In the Philippines, WGNRR Programme Officer Joie Cortina shared experiences from communities displaced by fires.

She recalled that among the most urgent needs identified by women and girls affected by disasters were underwear and menstrual products—items often overlooked in emergency relief efforts.

“When people lose everything, maintaining dignity becomes just as important as receiving food and water,” Ms. Paudel said.

Similarly, Indonesian gender and health advocate Rita Widiadana described how floods, earthquakes, and conflicts continue to expose women and girls to heightened menstrual health challenges.

She noted that women often lose access to safe sanitation facilities and menstrual supplies while living in evacuation centres.

“Menstrual products are not luxury items. They are essential for health and dignity,” she stressed.

The African perspective highlighted how economic pressures are forcing many girls and women into unsafe menstrual practices.

And Ms. Angel Babirye, speaking from Uganda, said rising inflation has significantly increased the cost of menstrual products across the continent.

As a result, many families are forced to make difficult choices between purchasing food and buying menstrual products.

Ms. Babirye explained that some girls are compelled to extend the use of menstrual products beyond recommended periods or resort to unsafe alternatives such as cloth, socks, or other improvised materials.

Health experts warn that such practices increase the risk of infections and other reproductive health complications.

And Many girls continue to miss school during menstruation because they lack access to menstrual products, clean water, and private sanitation facilities.

Throughout the discussions, speakers repeatedly emphasized the need to move beyond seeing menstruation solely as a hygiene issue.

Instead, they called for menstrual health to be integrated into broader conversations about education, healthcare, gender equality, climate resilience, and social justice.

Advocates stressed that governments, development partners, schools, healthcare institutions, and communities must work together to ensure that menstruators have access not only to products but also to information, healthcare services, privacy, and dignity.

They also highlighted the importance of including boys and men in menstrual health education to help dismantle harmful stereotypes and normalize conversations around menstruation.

As global efforts continue to promote menstrual health, campaigners say success will require addressing the root causes of menstrual discrimination and ensuring that the voices of menstruators themselves are placed at the centre of policy and programme design.

For many participants, the vision of a “period-friendly world” goes beyond access to pads and hygiene facilities.

It is about creating societies where no girl misses school because of her period, where no woman feels ashamed of a natural biological process, and where menstrual health is recognized as an essential component of human dignity and equality.

The message from advocates was clear: menstruation is not merely a health issue—it is a human rights issue, and achieving dignified menstruation is essential to building more inclusive, equitable, and resilient societies.

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 Stakeholders and Students Push for a Period-Friendly Zambia at Menstrual Health Dialogue

By Alain Kabinda

For generations, menstruation has been treated as a private matter, often hidden behind silence, stigma, and cultural misconceptions. Yet for millions of girls and women, the realities of menstrual health extend far beyond biology, affecting education, health, economic opportunities, and personal dignity.

As Zambia joined the global community in commemorating Menstrual Hygiene Day under the theme "Together for a Period-Friendly World," students and stakeholders gathered at UNICAF University for a dialogue that sought to reposition menstrual health from a personal issue to a national development priority.

Opening the dialogue, UNICAF Vice Chancellor Professor Douglas Kunda underscored the importance of addressing menstrual health as a national development issue requiring collective action from government, academia, civil society, and communities.

                                                             (Prof Douglas Kunda)

Welcoming participants to the Political Economy of Menstrual Health in Zambia dialogue hosted by UNICAF University, Professor Kunda said the commemoration of Menstrual Hygiene Day provided an opportunity to reflect on the broader implications of menstrual health beyond hygiene alone.

"As we commemorate Menstrual Hygiene Day under the global theme, 'Together for a Period-Friendly World,' we are reminded that menstrual health is not only a personal issue; it is a matter of dignity, education, health, gender equality, and socio-economic development," he said.

Professor Kunda noted that while awareness around menstrual health has increased over the years, significant challenges remain, including financing gaps, policy limitations, and barriers that continue to affect girls and women across the country.

He challenged students and participates to move beyond awareness campaigns and focus on practical, sustainable interventions that can improve menstrual health outcomes.

"Today's conversation challenges us to move beyond awareness and toward sustainable action. We must examine the policies we have, the financing gaps that remain, the barriers faced by girls and women, and the opportunities for innovation, investment, and collaboration," he said.

The Vice Chancellor further emphasized the role of higher learning institutions in generating evidence-based solutions and facilitating national dialogue on pressing social and health challenges.

"Universities have a responsibility to generate evidence, shape dialogue, and support solutions that respond to national and community realities. This gathering reflects our shared commitment to advancing menstrual health as a development priority in Zambia," he said.

Professor Kunda commended researchers, advocates, youth innovators, and development partners for contributing to the national conversation on menstrual health and expressed hope that the discussions would lead to stronger partnerships and meaningful action.

He said building a period-friendly Zambia would require coordinated efforts from all sectors to ensure that girls and women can manage menstruation safely, confidently, and with dignity.

"May today's discussions lead to meaningful recommendations, stronger partnerships, and practical action toward building a truly period-friendly Zambia," he said.

This section can be placed near the beginning of your feature story, immediately after the introduction, to provide context and set the tone for the discussions that followed.

The dialogue on the “Political Economy of Menstrual Health in Zambia” brought together researchers, health professionals, students, civil society organizations, youth advocates, and policymakers to examine how menstruation intersects with education, healthcare, gender equality, and economic development.

Opening the event, organizers emphasized that menstrual health is not only about access to sanitary products but also about creating policies, systems, and environments that allow girls and women to live with dignity and participate fully in society.

"Menstrual health is not only a personal issue; it is a matter of dignity, education, health, gender equality, and socio-economic development," participants heard during the opening session.

The gathering challenged attendees to move beyond awareness campaigns and focus on sustainable solutions, including policy reform, financing, research, and community engagement.

And one of the most compelling presentations came from Dr. Edith Nachizya Namukanga, an epidemiologist affiliated with Women in Global Health Zambia and UNICAF University.

                                                     (Dr. Edith Nachizya Namukanga)

Dr. Namukanga highlighted an often-overlooked challenge affecting adolescent girls: menstrual pain.

She revealed that research shows 78 percent of adolescent girls in Lusaka experience primary dysmenorrhea, commonly known as painful menstruation. Across Africa, a systematic review found a pooled prevalence of 62.3 percent.

Despite these high numbers, menstrual pain is frequently dismissed as a normal part of growing up.

"Menstrual pain is often treated as 'just period pain,' yet it affects school attendance, concentration, mental wellbeing, and overall quality of life," she said.

Dr. Namukanga called for menstrual pain to be integrated into Zambia's National Adolescent Health Strategy and urged health authorities to train healthcare workers in adolescent-friendly pain assessment and management.

Among her recommendations were the creation of Menstrual Health Corners in clinics, compassionate school absence policies for girls experiencing severe menstrual pain, and broader menstrual health education that includes pain management alongside hygiene information.

She also advocated for more inclusive research that captures the experiences of girls living in rural communities, girls with disabilities, and those who are out of school.

While discussions about menstrual health often focus on sanitary products, stakeholders at the dialogue stressed that the issue is far more complex.

Youth WASH Ambassador and WASH Consultant Nkosha Kachusha encouraged participants to examine menstrual health through a systems and policy perspective.

                                                                 (Ms.Nkosha Kachusha

She explained that meaningful progress requires understanding how education policies, healthcare systems, water and sanitation infrastructure, social norms, and governance structures interact to shape the experiences of girls and women.

According to Ms. Kachusha, addressing menstrual health effectively means asking difficult questions about accountability, community ownership, and access to services.

She noted that communities themselves must be involved in designing solutions rather than simply receiving interventions developed elsewhere.

"Community ownership is critical. Sustainable solutions come when people are involved in identifying their challenges and shaping responses," she said.

Her presentation highlighted the importance of partnerships among government institutions, researchers, civil society organizations, healthcare providers, and communities.

For many girls, menstruation remains associated with embarrassment, misinformation, and exclusion.

Participants at the dialogue acknowledged that period poverty continues to affect thousands of girls across Zambia. Some miss classes because they cannot afford sanitary products, while others struggle to access safe sanitation facilities or accurate menstrual health information.

Educational performance, self-confidence, social participation, and even future economic opportunities can be affected when girls face barriers to managing their menstruation safely and comfortably.

Health experts argued that addressing menstrual health challenges is essential if Zambia is to achieve broader national goals related to education, gender equality, and public health.

Throughout the discussions, one message remained consistent: menstrual health should not be viewed as a niche issue affecting only women and girls.

Instead, it should be recognized as a development challenge requiring collective action.

Participants called for stronger investment in menstrual health programmes, improved policy implementation, greater community engagement, and increased research to guide evidence-based interventions.

They also emphasized the need to create safe spaces where girls can discuss menstrual health openly without fear of stigma or discrimination.

As the dialogue concluded, stakeholders expressed hope that the conversations would translate into practical action.

For many attendees, the commemoration was not simply about menstrual hygiene. It was about dignity, inclusion, health, and ensuring that every girl can reach her full potential without being limited by a natural biological process.

The challenge now, they said, is to transform awareness into action and ensure that menstrual health becomes an integral part of Zambia's development agenda.

 MTN MoMo Breaks Ground for Grand Prize House in Wina Nyumba Campaign

By Daily News Reporter

LUSAKA —MTN Mobile Money Zambia has officially broken ground for the construction of a grand prize house under its ongoing “Wina Nyumba na MoMo” promotion, marking a symbolic milestone in a nationwide campaign aimed at rewarding customer loyalty with life-changing prizes.

The groundbreaking ceremony took place at the designated site where the house will be constructed and later handed over to a lucky winner, reinforcing what the company describes as a commitment to turning digital transactions into tangible rewards.

The “Wina Nyumba na MoMo” campaign encourages customers to use MTN Mobile Money services in their daily transactions, including sending money, paying bills, buying airtime and bundles, and making merchant payments. Customers using the MoMo app also double their chances of winning.

Beyond the grand prize house, the promotion also offers monthly cash prizes totaling K5 million, alongside thousands of additional rewards distributed throughout the campaign period.

Speaking during the ceremony, MTN Mobile Money Zambia Chief Executive Officer Komba Malukutila said the initiative was designed to demonstrate real impact beyond advertising promises.

“When we launched Wina Nyumba na MoMo, we spoke about giving our customers a real foundation to change their lives. Today, we are standing on the actual ground where that vision will become reality for one lucky customer,” he said.

Mr. Malukutila added that the groundbreaking marked a shift from concept to reality, allowing customers to physically see the promise behind the campaign.

“We are not just starting construction, we are beginning a story that will end with someone walking into a home they can finally call their own,” he said.

The campaign has also attracted partnerships from key industry players, strengthening both its visibility and its delivery capacity. Construction materials supplier Chilanga Cement PLC has joined as a key partner, contributing 200 bags of cement toward the building of the house.

The initiative initially partnered with Micmar, which pledged K100,000 in cash support for the eventual winner of the house.

Chilanga Cement PLC its involvement reflects its commitment to building strong foundations not only in infrastructure but also in people’s lives.

As a company rooted in building strong foundations, this partnership resonates deeply. Supporting the construction of this home is about contributing to a lasting legacy for one fortunate customer.

The growing list of partners, according to MTN MoMo, reflects increasing confidence in the promotion and strengthens its promise of delivering meaningful, real-world rewards to customers across the country.

Industry observers say such initiatives also highlight the growing role of mobile money platforms in deepening financial inclusion while engaging customers through innovative reward systems.

For many participants, the campaign represents more than a prize draw—it is a chance to turn everyday transactions into a potential path toward home ownership and improved livelihoods.

As construction begins, anticipation is already building around the eventual handover of the house, which MTN says will stand as a physical symbol of customer loyalty, partnership, and possibility.