Urgent Call to European Parliament: Protect Access to Medicines

 In a compelling joint appeal, 12 leading public health organizations across five European Union member states are urgently calling upon prospective Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to prioritize and ensure access to affordable medicines for all EU citizens.

The timing of this call is critical, with the upcoming European Parliament elections slated for June 6 to 9, 2024. These organizations are urging both re-elected and new MEPs to champion measures that will counter the rising challenges associated with the accessibility and affordability of medical products within the EU.

The crux of the issue lies in the escalating costs of new medicines, rendering them financially out of reach for many patients—either due to high out-of-pocket expenses or the burden placed on national health budgets when reimbursed. The current landscape favors pharmaceutical companies, granting them monopoly rights and allowing exorbitant pricing practices even for medicines developed with public funding.

Two Dutch health organizations, Wemos and Health Action International (HAI), spearheaded this clarion call. Aliénor Devalière of Wemos stressed the imperative nature of this unified demand: "Future MEPs must prioritize patient interests over the pervasive influence of the pharmaceutical lobby."

Jaume Vidal from HAI emphasized the critical juncture Europe faces regarding access to medicines, underscoring recent debates on pharmaceutical legislation and medicine shortages that underscore the pivotal role of the European Parliament.

The appeal underscores the urgent need for transparency and accountability within the pharmaceutical sector. Signatories contend that the current framework favors profit motives over public health imperatives, particularly considering the pivotal role of public funding in medical research and development.

The joint call implores the next European Parliament to recalibrate this power imbalance, advocating for measures that ensure fair pricing and transparency in pharmaceutical dealings. MEPs are urged to enforce policies that promote transparency in medicine pricing and attach conditions to public funding for research and development to ensure equitable returns on public investments.

Among the signatories are prominent organizations including HAI, Wemos, Salud por Derecho, Asociación Acceso Justo al Medicamento, and Access to Medicines Ireland, among others, representing a diverse coalition united in the pursuit of equitable healthcare access.

The next European Parliament must heed this urgent call from public health advocates, acting decisively to safeguard the fundamental right to affordable healthcare for all citizens. The ball is now in the court of MEPs to champion meaningful reforms that prioritize patient well-being over profit-driven motives within the pharmaceutical industry.

This issue is poised to shape the health landscape of Europe for years to come, making it incumbent upon elected officials to rise to the occasion and enact change that truly benefits the public they serve. The future of affordable healthcare in Europe hangs in the balance, awaiting decisive action from those entrusted with this critical mandate.

Revolutionary Livestock Health Initiative Launched in Kenya

 Cape Town, South Africa - The congress marks a groundbreaking step towards transforming livestock farming and veterinary care worldwide. Announced at the 39th annual World Veterinary Association Congress in Cape Town, the "Connected Care" Technology Program promises to revolutionize the global food supply chain's safety, security, and resilience.

In an unprecedented collaboration, VetNOW and the Global Alliance for Livestock Medicines (GALVmed) have joined forces, backed by major grants from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

This innovative platform aims to strengthen connections and support between livestock farmers, veterinarians, and veterinary paraprofessionals (VPPs), beginning with rural communities in Kenya. By providing vital resources on disease prevention, animal care, record-keeping, and regulatory compliance, the program seeks to empower farmers and enhance livestock health.

In a media statement issued by Senior Communications Manager, Beatrice Ouma, it states that the first phase of implementation is scheduled to launch in Kenya in August 2024, paving the way for a comprehensive rollout across Africa.

GALVmed, a UK-based non-profit, is committed to developing impactful livestock health solutions, while VetNOW, headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (USA), specializes in digital health technology for global veterinary care.

To accelerate adoption and knowledge-sharing, VetNOW has partnered with the Africa Veterinary Technicians Association (AVTA) and the National Animal Disease Information Service (NADIS). AVTA, with over 130,000 members across 18 African countries, including 11,000 in Kenya, focuses on improving VPP practices. NADIS brings decades of expertise in disease surveillance and animal health knowledge transfer.

Dr. Apryle Horbal, founder and CEO of VetNOW, expressed excitement about the program's potential: "Empowering farmers, vets, and VPPs with accessible technology is our mission. Partnering with GALVmed, AVTA, and NADIS allows us to make meaningful strides towards a safer and more sustainable food supply."

With only 2,000 veterinary surgeons and 12,000 VPPs serving over 7 million livestock farmers in Kenya, the need for improved livestock care is urgent.

Enrique Hernández Pando, GALVmed’s Head of Commercial Development & Impact, emphasized the significance of the partnership: "This collaboration will greatly accelerate GALVmed's mission to enhance livestock health access for small-scale producers."

This transformative initiative promises to reshape livestock health management and secure food supply chains for a healthier, more sustainable future.

there is a lot of poor planning of cities in the country

 CHALI MULENGA

Livingstone

Southern Province Minister Credo Nanjuwa says wherever they are unplanned structures in cities and districts, it is difficult for the government to put water and also ensure that the people have access to a road network.
Mr Nanjuwa said this when Zambia Law Development Commission, commissioner Chipo Nkanta paid a courtesy call on him in Livingstone.
He said it is very difficult development to happen in the cities as well as other districts when there are a lot of unplanned structures.

Mr Nanjuwa said province and district believe that planning is important to national development.

He said they are small district which are just starting up which need to ensure that they adhere to the aspect of effective urban and city planning.

Mr Nanjuwa said it is there important to ensure that the province, district administrations as well as local authorities are involved in the planning of their cities and districts.

He said the challenges of unplanned settlements in Lusaka they are all over and other districts and cities have not been spared.
Mr Nanjuwa said there is a lot of poor planning of cities in the country and he is hopeful that things can change for the better.

He said government wants to see to it that the people begin to plan the property well.

Mr Nanjuwa called on the Zambia Law Development Commission to ensure that it interacts with the people at the grass root so that progress can be achieved.

He said effective planning in the country can contribute to having sustainable cities.

"We are grateful that this meeting has been escalated to Livingstone in southern province.

We are happy to see that you are extending doors to other parts of the country such southern province.
People of Southern province are grateful for the gesture of moving your meeting to here," Mr Nanjuwa said.

He said stakeholders in the district want to actively contribute to  the meeting with them.

And Ms Nkanta said the mandate of the commission is to review and reforms laws in the country.

She said the commission will always ensure that there is wide public consultation over laws before they are put in place.

Ms Nkanta said the commission consults the people through the holding of  legal seminars so that they try to get as many Zambian’s views as possible.  

“There is a notion that law is just for lawyers but legal conservations are not just for lawyers,” she said.

Ms Nkanta said the commission last year started review in Lusaka on urban cities.

“You will see more that we are focusing on urban laws, sustainability of planning cities for the next generations,” she said.

Ms Nkanta said the mushrooming of building in the cities it is not only exclusive or unique for Lusaka.
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(DEBS) denies sidelining journalists in Livingstone

 CHALI MULENGA

Livingstone   

Livingstone District Education Board Secretary (DEBS) Charles Miyoba has explained that it does not sideline journalists in terms of sharing information on developments in the education sector.

Mr Miyoba said the DEBS office is a public office and journalists are free to engage it for any information that they need in the education sector.

Speaking on his behalf was Livingstone Standards officer for Open Distance Learning, Jeffa Malawo during a training for media practitioners which was hosted by Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) under the theme, the role of the media in the promotion of academic freedom and equality education for everyone through reporting.

“The DEBS office has taken note of the concerns which they have been raised by the journalists that they do not have access and enough feedback from the DEBS office whenever they have press query,” Mr Miyoba said.

He said giving quality education to the learners is the goal of the ministry and without the support of the media the public cannot know what is happening in their communities.

 Mr Miyoba said there is need to promote the silent policies of the ministry which are making positive impact in the lives of people as the media can help change societies.

“Without the media the people might know that they are 24 literacy centres which opened in their communities where they can learn to read and write. They are also evening classes and special education schools,” Mr Miyoba said.

He said it is for this reason that education should not be a preserve of a few individuals in the communities.   

Mr Miyoba paid tribute to ZANEC’s initiative to train the media so that they can appreciate aspect of academic freedom.

“I am confident that the media will continue to give the people the right information as academic freedom is a human right and it is under threat and therefore the need to use the media to highlight freedom,” he said.

And Journalists from all the media institutions expressed concerns that they were not getting timely responses from the DEBS office on press queries or interviews.

And ZANEC networking and information coordinator Precious Mungambata said the journalist taken keen interest in ZANEC media wards.

Ms Mungambata said it is unfortunate that some of the journalists do not present quality work for submission for the wards.

 She said it is shocking that some simply present commemorations or event based articles, whereby they do not show any innovation.

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Zambia's CSOs Rally for Constitutional Overhaul: Time for Action!

CSOs Demand Action: Zambia's Constitution in Crisis!

Livingstone's Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) sounded the alarm today, urging the government to stop dragging its feet on constitution review.

In a communique read out by Esther Mwikisa, a Member of the Human Rights Defenders, at the close of a three-day workshop organized by the Non-Governmental Gender Organization Coordinating Council (NGOCC) in Livingstone, CSOs demanded a clear roadmap for constitutional reform.

Ms. Mwikisa said, "No More Waiting," as women, youth, environmentalists, and advocates unite, demanding a revamped constitution to tackle pressing issues. But where's the plan, New Dawn Government?

"It's Time for Change," Ms. Mwikisa emphasized. "CSOs demand inclusion of the expanded Bill of Rights before the 2026 elections. No more excuses – it's about the people's voice!"

"Unveiling the Truth: CSOs expose lacunas impacting governance negatively. From youth unemployment to GBV, it's time for action, not just promises!

Road to Renewal: CSOs call for consensus-building to ensure Zambia's future is built on the people's wishes. It's a national imperative!" Ms. Mwikisa stressed.

This urgent plea comes after a three-day workshop in Livingstone, where CSOs vow to lead the charge for a constitution that truly serves the people.

"It's a Fight for Rights," Ms. Mwikisa declared. "CSOs won't back down until every Zambian is aware of the constitution's vital role. Join the movement for a better Zambia!

End the Stalemate: CSOs take a stand for a constitution that works for all. The time for change is NOW!"

Livingstone Magistrate Orders Police to Ensure Witness Attendance in Land Fraud Case; Adjournment Set for Continued Trial

Livingstone magistrate Kahoyi Mushabati has ordered the Zambia Police to ensure that all witnesses in the land fraud case are brought before the court, as failure to do so would risk them being brought under a bench warrant. He said the police should ensure the summons are delivered on time to the witnesses. The magistrate stated that his court will not tolerate any witnesses who are reluctant to appear before it. He also emphasized that officers from the Ministry of Lands in Choma should have traveled to testify since Choma is nearer to Livingstone. He remarked that there was no need for them to state issues with logistics, as the National Prosecution Authority has provisions for such matters. He expressed dissatisfaction with the situation where the court reserves dates for a matter to be heard, but witnesses do not show up. He ordered the investigation officer to inform him if there is any person resisting going to court. Sergeant Collins Manda informed the court that he was ready to bring people from the Ministry of Land in Choma but they wanted to come with the people from their headquarters in Lusaka. He assured the court that he would ensure that more witnesses are heard. Magistrate Mushabati suggested that police stations should have pigeon holes in their offices so that officers do not forget. He noted that lawyers at the high court have them, which would facilitate better work efficiency.

This is a case where Israel Mushoke, Shah Jayendra Kumar Chihanganlal, and Lata Jehendra Shah are facing a series of charges related to alleged fraudulent activities and trespass incidents. Israel Mushoke, aged 54, and Shah Jayendra Kumar Chihanganlal, aged 65, both businessmen, have been accused of procuring the execution of documents by false pretenses. The alleged offense took place between January 1, 2022, and June 30, 2022. The accused, along with unknown accomplices, are alleged to have used false pretenses and fraudulent representations to induce George Susiku Sindila, the Acting Lands Officer, to sign a document known as lease number Lt-37146 concerning Stand No. 3099 in Livingstone. In addition to the fraud charge, Mushoke and Chihanganlal are also facing charges of criminal trespass. They are accused of unlawfully entering the property of Vasanti Yogesh Chikhalya at Stand No. 2056 and the property of Patel Mohabhai Umashabhai at Stand No. 4416 in Livingstone between January 1, 2022, and June 30, 2022, with the intent to commit an offense. Lata Jehendra Shah, a 60-year-old businesswoman of Indian origin, is another person involved in these alleged activities. The trio is represented by Swizt Mweemba and associates. The matter has been adjourned to May 8 and 9 this year for continued trial.

 

Tragedy Strikes Mwapona Compound: Toddler Dies in Unfortunate Fire Incident

 The tranquil streets of Mwapona Compound were shattered by tragedy as one-year-four-month-old Anita Chaba lost her life in a sudden and heartbreaking incident. According to Southern Province Police Commissioner, Auxensio Daka, who spoke to reporters, the incident was reported under OB NO.2670/24 and D.T.R 08/02/24.

Anita's father, Albert Chichaba, recounted the harrowing events, stating that his daughter was playing with her siblings in the house when tragedy struck. The mother had briefly left the children at home to fetch water from the neighbourhood. Upon her return, she discovered the kitchen engulfed in flames and immediately sought help from neighbours to rescue the children.

It is believed that the fire originated from firewood in the kitchen, possibly ignited by something dropped by the children, leading to the spread of flames to nearby plastic containers. Despite frantic efforts to save her, Anita sustained severe burns on her right leg, right side of the body, and right hand. Tragically, she succumbed to her injuries while undergoing treatment at Choma General Hospital, where her body has been deposited in the mortuary.

The incident has plunged the community into shock and mourning. Mr. Daka emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of children, particularly when left unattended at home, and urged families to prioritize safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

As the community grieves the loss of young Anita, authorities are urging families to implement measures to safeguard against such accidents.