U.S. CDC Pumps $2.5 Million into Cutting-Edge Lab to Arm Zambia Against Public Health Threats

 In a strategic move to fortify global health defenses, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S. CDC) has joined forces with the Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) in a groundbreaking $2.5 million investment to establish an Integrated Pathogen Genomics Laboratory in Zambia. This collaborative initiative, unveiled at the 3rd Annual International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA), signifies a pivotal leap forward in combating infectious diseases across the southern African region.

The Integrated Pathogen Genomics Laboratory is poised to become a linchpin in the battle against emerging health threats, boasting the capability to swiftly detect and respond to a spectrum of viruses and bacteria. This visionary venture, endorsed by both U.S. CDC and ZNPHI, aligns with a broader regional strategy set to overhaul laboratory capacity in ten southern African countries starting in 2024.

Dr. Nirav D. Shah, Principal Deputy Director of U.S. CDC, announced the catalytic investment, emphasizing the importance of genomics and bioinformatics in disease surveillance. Speaking at CPHIA, Dr. Shah stated, "Genomics, together with bioinformatics, are the processes by which we obtain gene sequences of viruses and other pathogens. Establishing an Integrated Pathogen Genomics Laboratory in Zambia builds upon the capacity within the Zambia Genomic Surveillance Consortium, originally established to scale up SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance."

The $2.5 million injection will not only fund the laboratory but also provide intensive technical support, further solidifying over two decades of collaborative efforts between the U.S. CDC and Zambia. This move underscores the commitment to advancing pathogen genomics surveillance in southern Africa, propelling the region towards proactive and evidence-based public health responses.

Professor Roma Chilengi, Director of ZNPHI, stressed the pivotal role of National Public Health Institutes (NPHIs) in safeguarding national security. "NPHIs are science-based institutions that promote health by conducting and coordinating public health functions and programs to prevent, detect, and respond to public health threats," she affirmed.

The announcement unfolded at the high-profile CPHIA event, co-hosted by Zambia, ZNPHI, and Africa CDC, running from November 27-30, 2023. With the theme "Breaking Barriers: Repositioning Africa in the Global Health Architecture," the conference is poised to shape the future of health initiatives on the continent. The Integrated Pathogen Genomics Laboratory is not just a facility; it's a testament to the unwavering commitment of international partnerships in the face of evolving global health challenges.

Teachers' Pay Battle Heats Up in 2024

In a bold move, Mr. Brian Mwila, Deputy General Secretary for Mobilization and Recruitment, and seven other teacher unions united on November 24, 2023. Their joint statement demanded urgent talks with the government over a proposed K550 salary boost for Public Service Workers, including teachers, in 2024. The proposal also eyed a 5% rise in transport allowance, leaping from 15% to 20%.

Yet, twists in the plot emerged as unions publicly declared allegiance, potentially rendering the talks futile. In response, Mr. Mwila asserts that the Professional Teachers Union of Zambia is compelled to sign and avoid needless delays. He stresses the urgency for the Ministry of Education to tackle issues like salary upgrades and promotions.

Mr. Mwila warns that failing to boost teachers' pay and promotions in 2024 would be disastrous. This could dent teacher morale, impacting their ability to deliver quality education and overall productivity in the sector.

In a rallying cry, Mr. Mwila calls on union members to accept the situation. He reveals plans for the union to swiftly engage with the Ministry of Education, urging them to commit and expedite the resolution of these critical matters.

With teachers eagerly awaiting updates, Mr. Mwila puts the spotlight on the Ministry of Education. He emphasizes the need for them to prioritize the well-being and professional growth of educators, ultimately benefiting the education system in Zambia.

govt wins kudos from ZCTU

 CHALI MULENGA Livingstone.      Zambia Congress of Trade Unions President, Blake Mulala has applauded the government's decisive action in promoting food security and providing workers with passive income through an agriculture loan facility.

Mr Mulala expressed his approval, emphasizing that the initiative, facilitated through the Ministry of Agriculture, would play a crucial role in controlling the cost of living by ensuring access to the staple food, mealie meal.

"The program would ensure that people have some form of passive income which, in turn, contributes to household food security through agricultural practices," Mulala remarked, highlighting the potential for workers to engage in farming during their leave periods.

He in an interview stressed the positive impact on reducing the demand for mealie meal, ultimately leading to a potential decrease in its cost.

Mr Mulala argued that engaging workers in agriculture was a more sustainable solution compared to the pursuit of white-collar jobs, as it not only provides additional income but also contributes to overall food security.

"I commend the government's decision to empower workers by providing input packs. I anticipate a boost in maize production and a subsequent reduction in mealie meal prices."

Mr Mulala went on to praise the affordability of the agriculture loan facility, saying, "The range from K10,000 to K70,000 will enable workers to access financing for cultivating one to five hectares of land."

The loan facility is part of the Comprehensive Agriculture Transformation Support Programme (CATSP), which aims to produce 10 million metric tons of maize and 1 million metric tons of soybeans by 2027. Additionally, CATSP is set to produce up to 1 million tons of wheat, addressing food and nutrition insecurity in Zambia.

Mr Mulala urged workers to make good use of the maize pack loan and expressed optimism that the initiative would strengthen the country's dependence on maize, subsequently leading to increased production and availability of the crop.

He emphasized the importance of such empowerment measures for workers and acknowledged the government's timely decision in this regard.

Mr Mulala stated,  said he encouraged workers interested in agricultural financing to take advantage of the facility, considering it a positive development for the entire country.

He urged workers to use the loans responsibly and contribute to the success of the Sustainable Agricultural Financing Facility (SAFE) aimed at supporting small and medium-scale farmers in Zambia.

End

casualisation in tourism sector worry ZCTU

 Zambia Congress of Trade Unions President, Blake Mulala, expressed deep concern about the widespread casualization of workers in the tourism sector. He highlighted the detrimental impact of labor consultants providing misguided advice to players in the industry. Mr Mulala emphasized the need for collaboration with the ministry to rectify the situation.

Stressing the importance of addressing casualization, he mentioned plans to engage the ministry of labor for the implementation of statutory instruments. Mr Mulala lamented the prevalence of casual employment in Livingstone, particularly in lodges, guest houses, and hotels, where individuals were often hired as casual workers under the pretext of being interns.

He strongly advocated for an end to the abuse of workers through inappropriate intern classifications and revealed efforts to counteract employers who prevented their staff, especially those in establishments with fewer than 25 employees, from joining unions. Mr Mulala outlined ongoing initiatives to reduce the threshold for union membership to seven, aiming to enhance workers' rights protection.

He concluded on a positive note, stating that discussions with the ministry of labor were progressing well. Additionally, Mr Mulala welcomed the decision to establish a minimum wage for workers, emphasizing the importance of these measures in safeguarding the rights of those in the tourism sector.

Mother Eve School Empowers Vulnerable Students and Advocates Free Education: A Holistic Approach to Learning and Ethical Development

Mother Eve School's executive director, Simuyemba Kutemwa, highlighted the school's commitment by offering substantial support to vulnerable students. Twenty percent of its enrollment receives a 100 percent school bursary, while others benefit from a 50 percent bursary in Livingstone this year.

Reverand Kutemwa also urged other private schools to follow suit in providing bursaries to children in their communities. "It's crucial to extend a helping hand, particularly to those in vulnerable situations. We call upon other private institutions to join this cause and ensure that children in need are not deprived of quality education," he stated.

The school's mission, rooted in the church's ethos, heavily emphasizes providing education to vulnerable communities. Reverand Kutemwa highlighted the school's founding principle, which emerged from a realization of the crucial need for education among the people.

In a compelling speech, Reverand Kutemwa fervently acknowledged and supported free education. He emphasized that despite initial concerns, the school has seen a positive correlation between the implementation of free education and the overall academic performance of its students.

"We initially thought free education might pose a disadvantage to the school, but we've been pleasantly surprised by the outcomes. The association between the school and the enhanced educational achievements of the children is evident," Reverand Kutemwa stated in her speech.

Commending the government for providing free education, Reverand Kutemwa expressed the school's commitment to supporting these efforts and continuing to complement the government's objectives in this regard. Over time, the institution has emerged as a leading school, known not only for academic excellence but also for its dedication to nurturing the moral fiber of its students.

Reverand Kutemwa stressed the vital role of the school in instilling moral values, attributing it to the institution's church background and its management strategy. "As a church institution, our focus remains not just on academic excellence but also on the moral development of our pupils. Quality education goes hand in hand with instilling ethical values, and this is the cornerstone of our approach," she explained.

The school's commitment to providing quality education lies not only in academic prowess but also in cultivating a team of quality teachers who significantly contribute to shaping the moral conduct of the children.

Pupil Philip Mutese, 20, expressed his ambition to become a pilot once his results are out. Confident in his preparedness for the upcoming examinations, Mutese attributed his readiness to the school's guidance and support. "I want to focus on my dreams, and the school has significantly prepared me for what lies ahead," Mutese stated. He expressed gratitude for the privilege of attending a school aided by missionaries, acknowledging their role in his educational journey.

Echoing a similar spirit of determination, Exhildah Mweetwa, 19, shared her aspirations to become a pharmacist. Having spent three years at the same school, Mweetwa reflected on the diverse learning experiences that extended beyond the classroom. "I've learned a lot, both from my teachers at school and the lessons I've absorbed at home. It has taught me not just academic prowess but how to achieve in life," Mweetwa articulated.

She highlighted the challenges that young girls face, emphasizing the importance of dedication and effort. Mweetwa underscored the need to deter early marriages for girls, emphasizing the impact such situations can have on their education and ability to concentrate in school. "Being a girl is not easy," Mweetwa said, highlighting the discrepancy between the rhetoric of 'girl power' and the reality faced by many young women. "I aim to be an example of a child dedicated to schooling, proving that focus and determination can defy societal challenges," she added.

PTA Chairman, Malanda Malanda, addressed the impact of the COVID-19 period on the school and its community. He acknowledged the challenges faced during that time, noting a reduction in the school population. Malanda stressed that the school does not offer free education and emphasized the importance of parents paying school fees. "Not all parents are paying for their children's education. It is crucial for parents to realize the significance of contributing to their children's schooling," Malanda pointed out.

While the students articulated their dreams and the challenges they face, the PTA Chairman shed light on the financial dynamics impacting the school.

At the Indo-Zambia Livingstone branch, Peggy Hamukoma urged children to embrace fearlessness and take charge of their aspirations, emphasizing the limitless potential within each of them. Hamukoma's powerful address resonated with a call for bravery, urging students to conquer their fears and envision diverse career paths.

"Children should not let fear hinder their dreams. Instead, they should conquer all their fears and believe in their potential," she asserted. Encouraging a broad spectrum of career ambitions, she highlighted that some of them could become lawyers, bankers, or teachers, underscoring the vast opportunities awaiting them in the future.

Expressing confidence in the preparedness of the students to face the challenges of the 21st century, Hamukoma emphasized that their acquired knowledge and skills form the foundation for their success.

"With the right knowledge and skills, there's nothing they can't achieve. They have the potential to be the best version of themselves," she stated, encouraging them to strive for excellence in their endeavors.

Success, according to Hamukoma, hinges on how effectively they navigate life's challenges, urging them not to remain in their comfort zones. "It's vital to overcome challenges. Success is determined by how they face and conquer difficulties," she emphasized.

Moreover, Hamukoma stressed the pivotal role students can play in shaping a positive future for society. "They should utilize their skill sets to contribute to positive change in society," she urged, highlighting the importance of applying their skills towards beneficial change and progress."

 

Relief Food Urgently Needed in Sinazongwe as Anthrax Outbreak Hits Livestock: MP Gift Sialubalo Appeals for Assistance

Sinazongwe Member of Parliament, Gift Sialubalo, made a compelling appeal for urgent relief food for his constituency as an anthrax outbreak ravages the area, affecting the lives and livelihoods of its 101,617 residents. In his impassioned speech, Sialubalo highlighted the critical need for immediate aid due to the devastating impact of the disease on the region.

Addressing the press, Sialubalo shed light on the grim situation within the Gwembe Valley, emphasizing that the entire area has been severely impacted by the outbreak of anthrax. The disease has taken a toll on the local populace, primarily dependent on cattle trading as a means of livelihood in this low rainfall region.

Reflecting on the recent farming season's failure, Sialubalo stressed that the community is already grappling with food insecurity. He highlighted the dependence of the people on their livestock and lamented the risk of imminent starvation if aid doesn't reach them promptly.

The Sinazongwe MP revealed that he had approached the Disaster Management Unit's national coordinator, seeking immediate assistance for the afflicted region. He expressed gratitude for the intensification of mass vaccination against anthrax, where approximately 60,000 animals in Sinazongwe District received anti-anthrax doses.

Sialubalo also mentioned the implementation of a new law aimed at safeguarding the community from the illegal movement of cattle, a practice identified as a contributor to the outbreak of diseases. He expressed hope that this regulation would play a crucial role in curbing the spread of anthrax and protecting the local population.

The MP conveyed his concern for the people's well-being, emphasizing that the ban on cattle movement was initially met with resistance. However, he underscored the necessity of this measure, as livestock serves as the primary source of sustenance for the residents.

As the community grapples with the far-reaching effects of the anthrax outbreak, Sialubalo's plea for immediate relief food stands as a critical necessity. With the support of the government and concerned authorities, efforts are being made to alleviate the situation and prevent further distress among the people of Sinazongwe.

 And Winter Muvombo, the Chairperson of the And of Gwembe Valley Must Develop (GVMD), emphasized the pressing need for the valley to receive essential food relief. Muvombo stated that the cost of basic food items had escalated significantly, making it unaffordable for the local population due to the current crisis plaguing the valley.

According to Muvombo, the people residing in the Gwembe Valley are facing immense pressure exacerbated by the soaring prices of essential commodities. He highlighted the absence of opportunities for selling their livestock, a situation further compounded by the region's inadequate and insufficient rainfall.

Muvombo stressed that the dire circumstances have led to a sharp increase in the cost of a tin, making it unattainable for the valley's inhabitants. The current crisis has resulted in a situation where the purchase price has become unreasonably high, severely impacting the community's ability to access basic necessities.

The GVMD Chairperson underlined the urgency of providing food relief to the Gwembe Valley, noting that the absence of viable livestock sales, coupled with the area's poor rainfall, has exacerbated the challenges faced by the local population. The critical need for immediate assistance is vital to alleviate the mounting pressure and ensure the community's access to essential sustenance.

 

Livingstone District Welcomes 20 New School Health Rooms, Enhancing Student Well-being and Academic Performance

The Ministry of Education has initiated the commissioning of twenty newly constructed school health rooms in Livingstone District. The aim of these health rooms is to significantly contribute to improved health service delivery in schools. They provide a dedicated space where learners can share personal health information and recover if they fall sick while on the premises, effectively reducing absenteeism and enhancing student performance.

Minister of Education Douglas Syakalima expressed the importance of these health rooms, stating that they epitomize the government's commitment to creating an enabling environment for quality education and health services. He emphasized the pivotal role of these spaces in enhancing the health and well-being of students in the area.

The collaborative effort between the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, and the technical and financial support from Healthy Learners reflects the government's dedication to ensuring that all Zambian children have access to quality education.

Syakalima pointed out the critical correlation between health and academic performance, stressing the essentiality of maintaining adequate health to prevent absenteeism or lack of attention, ensuring the benefits of education are not lost. He also urged Zambian scholars and research institutions to further explore the vital link between good health, nutrition, and quality education.

The success of the School Health Programme in various provinces, benefiting over 850,000 students, has led to increased demand in Livingstone District. This demonstrates the potential to curtail illness-related absenteeism and uplift learner performance, noted Syakalima.

Dr. Kalaluka Malungwe, the esteemed District Health Director, highlighted the ministry's commitment to ensuring accessible healthcare for the local populace. He underscored the significance of bringing healthcare services closer to the community, especially within educational institutions, stressing the importance of health provisions for children who spend a significant amount of their time in schools.

Emphasizing the commitment to ensuring healthcare opportunities are available for all age groups, Dr. Malungwe announced plans for additional facilities to support healthcare activities in the district, underlining the dedication to improving healthcare for both children and the wider community.

The recent handover of twenty newly constructed health rooms in Livingstone District marked a significant step forward in enhancing healthcare access for school children. Vice President Job Milapo of Healthy Learners expressed delight at being part of the event, emphasizing the positive impact these health rooms will bring to the region.

Veronica from the Mukuni Royal Establishment expressed profound delight at the recent handover of the twenty health rooms, emphasizing the critical role of good health in child development and acknowledging the significance of these facilities in providing healthcare services within educational institutions.

Veronica thanked the sponsors of the school health program and the government for their partnership, highlighting the importance of bringing healthcare services closer to the communities and schools. She emphasized the importance of these health rooms in providing a conducive environment and high-level confidentiality for learners seeking help and support.

The support and acknowledgment of the importance of the health rooms in Livingstone District underscored the communal efforts in nurturing and supporting the health needs of the children within educational settings.