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.

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