NRFA PARTNERS WITH 3 UNIVERSITIES

By Daily News Reporter

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

YOUTHS CALLS GOVERNMENT TO ENACT TOBACCO BILL TO SAVE LIVES  

By Daily News Reporter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

POLITICAL WILL HAS ENFORCED HEALTH SERVICES IN ZAMBIA

By Daily News Reporter

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

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

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

 

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

By Daily News Reporter

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

Barriers affecting Girl child in education:

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

(pictures are not for Daily News Agency)

 

ZAMBIA MOVES STEP FORWARD TO END CHILD MARRIAGE

By Daily News Reporter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

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

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

By Daily News Reporter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

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

By Daily News reporter

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

Diagnostic Process:

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

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

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

Scrotal ultrasound to detect structural abnormalities in the testicles.

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

Hormone testing to assess hormone levels that affect sperm production.

Post-ejaculation urinalysis to check for retrograde ejaculation.

Genetic tests to identify any genetic abnormalities affecting fertility.

Testicular biopsy to assess sperm production directly.

Treatment Options:

 

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

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

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

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

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

When Treatment Isn't Successful:

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

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