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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 fu...

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 statem...

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...

(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 o...

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 un...

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 t...

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...