By SITEMBILE SIWAWA
MAPEPE Blessed Women's Club of Chilanga
has appealed to Government to construct a clinic in the area.
Club chairperson
Veronica Mwansa told Femail that since the closure of Chilanga Hospice, locals
especially those on anti-retroviral therapy (ART) do not have access to the
drugs because the other clinics are not easily accessible due to distance.
"Since the closure of Chilanga Hospice those on ART in Mapepe do not have access
to the drugs as a result some end up dying in their homes. Those that manage to
visit the other clinics which are privately- owned have to pay for the health
services", she said.
Ms Mwansa also said the health of some of those on ART was
deteriorating at a fast rate because besides not having access to health care,
they could not afford a nutritious meal.
She also bemoaned the high levels of
the HIV rate in the area as this has resulted in the high numbers of orphaned
children in the area.
Ms Mwansa also bemoaned high levels of teenage
pregnancies, school drop-outs, and unemployment and defilement cases.
She said
girls as young as 11 and 12 years old are pregnant and married to young boys, a
situation which is worrisome.
Meanwhile, the old people of Mapepe area have also
called on government to improve the livelihoods of the aged in the area.
Group
representative Daniel Changula said the old people have been left to fend for
themselves as most of their children have died due to the pandemic.
He also said
this year's farming season will adversely affect the outcome of the harvest due
to late delivery of farming inputs.
Mr Changula also urged government to
consider giving the people of Mapepe area offer letters as they are squatters on
the land.
"One of our greatest fears is to be told to vacate the land where we
are squatting as we do not have title to the land," he said.
And another aged
man Amos Mulongo said the old people are dependent on Blessed Hope Community
School for their well-being.
Thursday 26 September 2013
Teenagers prone to urinary tract infections
By SITEMBILE SIWAWA
MINISTRY of Health (MOH) says older female children are more prone to urinary tract infections (UTIs) than their male counterparts because of differences in body structures.
Technical Services Support deputy director Tasila Pitters said female children have shorter urethras near their anal area which makes it easy for infections to be passed from this area to the urethra and upwards to the bladder and kidneys.
Dr Pitters said UTIs are also most common in uncircumcised male babies under the age of three months, followed by females less than one year.
She said parents must take note if a child has fever or vomits, sleeps more often than usual, shows signs of jaundice, while in older children loss of bladder control may be signs of UTIs.
She also said that home remedies such as giving fluids like water and continued breastfeeding can be of help especially to mothers in the rural areas as the fluids assist in cleansing the urinary tract infection.
Dr Pitters said the Ministry of Health has in the last two years recorded about 4,244 cases of children less than one year having UTIs and those above one year was at 14,149 and five deaths were recorded in both instances.
MINISTRY of Health (MOH) says older female children are more prone to urinary tract infections (UTIs) than their male counterparts because of differences in body structures.
Technical Services Support deputy director Tasila Pitters said female children have shorter urethras near their anal area which makes it easy for infections to be passed from this area to the urethra and upwards to the bladder and kidneys.
Dr Pitters said UTIs are also most common in uncircumcised male babies under the age of three months, followed by females less than one year.
She said parents must take note if a child has fever or vomits, sleeps more often than usual, shows signs of jaundice, while in older children loss of bladder control may be signs of UTIs.
She also said that home remedies such as giving fluids like water and continued breastfeeding can be of help especially to mothers in the rural areas as the fluids assist in cleansing the urinary tract infection.
Dr Pitters said the Ministry of Health has in the last two years recorded about 4,244 cases of children less than one year having UTIs and those above one year was at 14,149 and five deaths were recorded in both instances.
Tuesday 24 September 2013
Cecilia: Hope for Mapepe
By SITEMBILE SIWAWASHE is the saviour to people of Mapepe in Chilanga. At 27, Cecilia Nyasulu has added value to the vulnerable people of this area although, she lives 20 kilometres away.
Cecilia is a resident of Lusaka's Kamwala but her services which are community-based are of immense value to the people of Mapepe.
Cecilia, who comes from a family of six, did her primary school at Nkamenya Girls' School in Malawi and then came to Zambia where she did her Grade Eight to 12 at Saint Monica's Secondary School in Chipata.
After which she studied for a diploma in management at the National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA) in 2005.
"After my course at NIPA, I started work at Sedter Development Trust as a volunteer and worked there for close to three years," said the soft-spoken Cecilia.
It is from working with vulnerable children at Sedter that she realised her passion for community work and she recalls how early in life she had dreamt of becoming a religious sister. "
During my childhood days, I really wanted to be a nun because I had the heart for the poor," she said.
Despite not achieving her religious calling, her dream of doing community work did not die, hence in 2007, Cecilia launched the Mapepe project.
"Before I launched the Mapepe project, I did a survey of Chainda, Mapepe and Shimabala areas to ascertain the necessity of the project and I realised that Mapepe was the best because it had lots of challenges," she said.
She also said "Mapepe is one of those areas that are known for prostitution, crime and high intake of alcohol amongst the youths and so I thought taking my projects there would help alleviate some of these challenges".
But Cecilia had a tough time convincing the community members to accept her projects based on their past experiences where dishonest people used them to lobby money from donors.
"When I brought my projects here, I was not easily accepted by the community and some even reached an extent of calling me a Satanist and looking at my age they thought I was too young to do anything for them," she said.
However, through interventions from other community members, she was finally accepted anyway.
Nevertheless Cecilia's dream was to empower women with various skills through a women's club but was later advised of the main need of the community.
The people of Mapepe were hungry for education and that's the path Cecilia took and built Mapepe Blessed Hope Community School.
With the help of funders from Ireland, she built a one by six classroom block and immediately started offering classes to children in the community.
The school now boasts of 535 children and classes range from baby class to grade seven.
Apart from the community school and women's club, Cecilia also has a feeding programme at the school as most children come from poor homes which cannot afford regular meals.
There is also a project for taking care of the elderly in the community who have no one to take care of them.
And she has since opened an orphanage which houses 14 children from within the community.
As part of fund-raising ventures to help run various activities because she does not receive any funding, Cecilia rears chickens, cockerels, pigs and rabbits.
She said "the money we realise from selling the chickens, pigs, rabbits and cockerels goes to paying teachers who help us with the children.
We also use it to buy food for the aged, feeding programme and at the orphanage.
"During her free time, Cecilia loves socialising with her family whom she relies on for strength to soldier on with her projects.
She also spends her free time at church conducting youth entrepreneurship trainings.
Cecilia hopes to open up her own college for disabled children and build a hospice for the sick.
She is currently in a relationship.
Monday 23 September 2013
Women NGOs call for gender responsive budget
By SITEMBILE SIWAWA
WOMEN organisations have called for a gender-responsive national budget when Government presents the 2014 budget to Parliament next month.
In response to a press query, Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) executive director Patricia Ndhlovu said the 2014 budget is an opportunity to make strides in improving gender equality and empowerment of women who are the majority of the poor.
Ms Ndhlovu said the government should increase allocations to the Ministry of Gender and Child Development (MGCD) so that it is able to operationalise the Anti-GBV Act.
She said clear budget allocations should be made for the creation of the Anti-GBV Act fund and the establishment of shelters for survivors of violence and existing shelters including those run by non-governmental organisations.
She also said "the 2014 budget should be in line with the Abuja Declaration by ensuring allocation of at least 15 percent of the national budget to the health sector."
She said increased allocation to health sector will help in scaling up the health services in all parts of the country.
She also called for allocation for infrastructure development for schools especially boarding schools to reduce the vulnerability of girls who have to rent accommodation close to institutions of learning.
In a separate interview, Women for Change executive director Emily Sikazwe said it was important for Government to formulate a budget that includes the needs of men and women.
Ms Sikazwe said the budget should include needs of men and women because they are partners in development, including sexual reproductive rights and education of women.
"As Women for Change, our expectations are to see a budget that will include costs for a referendum for the constitution," she said.
Ms Sikazwe said the budget should address food security as poverty levels are high among women.
Meanwhile, Nkumbu Mulenga a charcoal trader of Chainda said the government should increase allocation to the Ministry of Gender and Child Development towards the provision of empowerment of funds for women.
If women are able to access this funding, it will have a direct impact on reducing poverty among women and increase household food security.
She said when many women access funds it will reduce vulnerability to the violation of their rights.
WOMEN organisations have called for a gender-responsive national budget when Government presents the 2014 budget to Parliament next month.
In response to a press query, Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) executive director Patricia Ndhlovu said the 2014 budget is an opportunity to make strides in improving gender equality and empowerment of women who are the majority of the poor.
Ms Ndhlovu said the government should increase allocations to the Ministry of Gender and Child Development (MGCD) so that it is able to operationalise the Anti-GBV Act.
She said clear budget allocations should be made for the creation of the Anti-GBV Act fund and the establishment of shelters for survivors of violence and existing shelters including those run by non-governmental organisations.
She also said "the 2014 budget should be in line with the Abuja Declaration by ensuring allocation of at least 15 percent of the national budget to the health sector."
She said increased allocation to health sector will help in scaling up the health services in all parts of the country.
She also called for allocation for infrastructure development for schools especially boarding schools to reduce the vulnerability of girls who have to rent accommodation close to institutions of learning.
In a separate interview, Women for Change executive director Emily Sikazwe said it was important for Government to formulate a budget that includes the needs of men and women.
Ms Sikazwe said the budget should include needs of men and women because they are partners in development, including sexual reproductive rights and education of women.
"As Women for Change, our expectations are to see a budget that will include costs for a referendum for the constitution," she said.
Ms Sikazwe said the budget should address food security as poverty levels are high among women.
Meanwhile, Nkumbu Mulenga a charcoal trader of Chainda said the government should increase allocation to the Ministry of Gender and Child Development towards the provision of empowerment of funds for women.
If women are able to access this funding, it will have a direct impact on reducing poverty among women and increase household food security.
She said when many women access funds it will reduce vulnerability to the violation of their rights.
Introducing early education centres cheers ZPA
By SITEMBILE SIWAWA
ZAMBIA Pre-school Association (ZPA) has commended Government for its initiative to introduce early education centres in primary schools.
ZPA National coordinator Eness Chongo told Femail that the incorporating of early learning centres into primary schools will increase access to education by many children.
Mr Chongo said many children in rural areas lack access to education because there are few schools within their reach.
"We commend Government for its initiative to annex early learning centres into primary schools and we believe that it will improve the access to education by many children especially those in the rural areas," he said.
Mr Chongo said the inclusion of early learning centres will also enable all nursery schools follow one curriculum because nursery schools have different curriculums.
Mr Chongo said whether private or public, government will monitor operations of pre-schools in the country.
Meanwhile, Mr Chongo said the recruitment of privately trained pre-school teachers by Government will encourage many more people to take up early education courses.
Both private and public colleges providing early education courses will sit for examinations set by the Examinations Council of Zambia.
"This clearly shows that Government appreciates the role that the private sector plays in supplementing its efforts," he said.
ZAMBIA Pre-school Association (ZPA) has commended Government for its initiative to introduce early education centres in primary schools.
ZPA National coordinator Eness Chongo told Femail that the incorporating of early learning centres into primary schools will increase access to education by many children.
Mr Chongo said many children in rural areas lack access to education because there are few schools within their reach.
"We commend Government for its initiative to annex early learning centres into primary schools and we believe that it will improve the access to education by many children especially those in the rural areas," he said.
Mr Chongo said the inclusion of early learning centres will also enable all nursery schools follow one curriculum because nursery schools have different curriculums.
Mr Chongo said whether private or public, government will monitor operations of pre-schools in the country.
Meanwhile, Mr Chongo said the recruitment of privately trained pre-school teachers by Government will encourage many more people to take up early education courses.
Both private and public colleges providing early education courses will sit for examinations set by the Examinations Council of Zambia.
"This clearly shows that Government appreciates the role that the private sector plays in supplementing its efforts," he said.
Friday 20 September 2013
FAWEZA calls for girl boarding schools
By SITEMBILE SIWAWA
FORUM for African Women Educationalists of Zambia (FAWEZA) has urged government to build more boarding schools to prevent many girls from walking long distances to schools.
Speaking in an interview, FAWEZA national coordinator Lumba Siyanga said government should invest in girls' boarding facilities in order for them to have quality education without any disturbances and having to rent their own accommodation.
"More boarding hostels will help girls access quality education and they will not have to walk long distances and as such they will not be subjected to gender-related violence such as rape," Ms Siyanga said.
She said boarding facilities provide girl children in rural areas with a chance to have quality education and a safe environment. This helps reduce on a number of them dropping out of school due to pregnancies.
Ms Siyanga said her organisation has about 12 safe hostels in 12 districts which cater for about 168 girls.
She said safe hostels are there to provide shelter for girls who have been abused or are at high risk of being abused, and those who have to travel long distances and with a possibility of having safety issues.
"We rent the safe hostels where we camp our girls and there are a number of challenges we face, that's why we need Government to build more boarding facilities," she said.
Ms Siyanga said her organisation faces challenges like providing food, paying rentals and the staff who manage the girls.
She said currently FAWEZA is working towards ensuring that teachers do not sleep with pupils.
She has appealed to the corporate entities and the community to support this noble cause. FAWEZA has 12 safe hostels in Chipata, Kabwe, Lusaka, Livingstone, Luanshya, Mazabuka, Maamba, Chongwe, Mongu and Ibolelo districts.
FORUM for African Women Educationalists of Zambia (FAWEZA) has urged government to build more boarding schools to prevent many girls from walking long distances to schools.
Speaking in an interview, FAWEZA national coordinator Lumba Siyanga said government should invest in girls' boarding facilities in order for them to have quality education without any disturbances and having to rent their own accommodation.
"More boarding hostels will help girls access quality education and they will not have to walk long distances and as such they will not be subjected to gender-related violence such as rape," Ms Siyanga said.
She said boarding facilities provide girl children in rural areas with a chance to have quality education and a safe environment. This helps reduce on a number of them dropping out of school due to pregnancies.
Ms Siyanga said her organisation has about 12 safe hostels in 12 districts which cater for about 168 girls.
She said safe hostels are there to provide shelter for girls who have been abused or are at high risk of being abused, and those who have to travel long distances and with a possibility of having safety issues.
"We rent the safe hostels where we camp our girls and there are a number of challenges we face, that's why we need Government to build more boarding facilities," she said.
Ms Siyanga said her organisation faces challenges like providing food, paying rentals and the staff who manage the girls.
She said currently FAWEZA is working towards ensuring that teachers do not sleep with pupils.
She has appealed to the corporate entities and the community to support this noble cause. FAWEZA has 12 safe hostels in Chipata, Kabwe, Lusaka, Livingstone, Luanshya, Mazabuka, Maamba, Chongwe, Mongu and Ibolelo districts.
African aphrodisiac good says Vongo
By SITEMBILE SIWAWA
THE Traditional Health Practitioners Association of Zambia (THPAZ) says the traditional aphrodisiac 'mutototo' and others are good for arousing one's sexual drive if well administered by well "schooled" herbalists.
President Rodwell Vongo said men who have died after using local aphrodisiac were victims of quack herbalists.
Dr Vongo said African sex stimulants are good because they are natural as opposed to conventional medicines which he said have side effects if used over a long period of time.
He said the local aphrodisiacs are user friendly as they come in varieties and could be taken either for a short period of time or continually depending on one's condition and the herbal medicine used.
Dr Vongo, however, warned men in need of sexual stimulants to follow instructions to avoid negative effects and fatalities.
"Sometimes it is not the herbalists at fault because these young men take over-dose of the medicine in the hope of having more energy and as a result they end-up dying", he said.
Dr Vongo cautioned that people who have a history of hypertension and heart conditions risk dying if they use aphrodisiac because the boosters tend to excite the heart.
He has also warned "younger" men to desist from unnecessarily using sexual stimulants as they are meant for "older" men who have low libido due to age and certain medical conditions.
Furthermore, Dr Vongo called on local herbalists to be careful with areas where they collect their herbs saying mining areas on the Copperbelt and Kabwe were not good sources because the ground is contaminated with copper and zinc deposits.
Recently a 32-year-old man identified as Arbton Phiri of Kamwala in Lusaka died after this week after taking a sexual stimulant known as mutototo.
Dr Vongo urged legislators to come up with a law that will regulate the sale of herbal remedies in order to safeguard lives.
And a Lusaka-based medical doctor said people who take self or street-prescribed herbal remedies end up at the hospital with liver and kidney problems.
Abel Mwale, a senior resident medical officer at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) said it is difficult for medical practitioners to manage patients who take self or street-prescribed herbal remedies, especially if one is on long-term conventional treatment for TB, for instance.
Dr Mwale also warned that mixing herbal with conventional medicines overwhelms the liver and kidneys and makes one prone to other illnesses. "
The effects of these remedies on the liver and kidneys may not be immediate but this might be evident the next time you visit your doctor.
For the sake of your kidney and liver be careful with what you allow to reach these deep seated organs that perpetuate 'the miracle of life," he said.
THE Traditional Health Practitioners Association of Zambia (THPAZ) says the traditional aphrodisiac 'mutototo' and others are good for arousing one's sexual drive if well administered by well "schooled" herbalists.
President Rodwell Vongo said men who have died after using local aphrodisiac were victims of quack herbalists.
Dr Vongo said African sex stimulants are good because they are natural as opposed to conventional medicines which he said have side effects if used over a long period of time.
He said the local aphrodisiacs are user friendly as they come in varieties and could be taken either for a short period of time or continually depending on one's condition and the herbal medicine used.
Dr Vongo, however, warned men in need of sexual stimulants to follow instructions to avoid negative effects and fatalities.
"Sometimes it is not the herbalists at fault because these young men take over-dose of the medicine in the hope of having more energy and as a result they end-up dying", he said.
Dr Vongo cautioned that people who have a history of hypertension and heart conditions risk dying if they use aphrodisiac because the boosters tend to excite the heart.
He has also warned "younger" men to desist from unnecessarily using sexual stimulants as they are meant for "older" men who have low libido due to age and certain medical conditions.
Furthermore, Dr Vongo called on local herbalists to be careful with areas where they collect their herbs saying mining areas on the Copperbelt and Kabwe were not good sources because the ground is contaminated with copper and zinc deposits.
Recently a 32-year-old man identified as Arbton Phiri of Kamwala in Lusaka died after this week after taking a sexual stimulant known as mutototo.
Dr Vongo urged legislators to come up with a law that will regulate the sale of herbal remedies in order to safeguard lives.
And a Lusaka-based medical doctor said people who take self or street-prescribed herbal remedies end up at the hospital with liver and kidney problems.
Abel Mwale, a senior resident medical officer at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) said it is difficult for medical practitioners to manage patients who take self or street-prescribed herbal remedies, especially if one is on long-term conventional treatment for TB, for instance.
Dr Mwale also warned that mixing herbal with conventional medicines overwhelms the liver and kidneys and makes one prone to other illnesses. "
The effects of these remedies on the liver and kidneys may not be immediate but this might be evident the next time you visit your doctor.
For the sake of your kidney and liver be careful with what you allow to reach these deep seated organs that perpetuate 'the miracle of life," he said.
Establish more cancer screening centres'
By SITEMBILE SIWAWA
THE Non- Governmental Organisation
Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has called on First Lady Christine Kaseba to use
her office to campaign for the establishment of more cervical cancer screening
centres in the country.
Board chairperson, Beatrice Grillo in congratulating Dr Kaseba on the global award of distinction in recognition of her contribution to the fight against cervical and breast cancer by Susan G Komen for Cure Foundation, said the First Lady must take the campaign to the creation of screening centres in rural areas Ms Grillo said a successful campaign against cervical cancer will require making screening centres within the reach of every woman.
"Screening facilities must be within track able distances to enable more women, especially those in rural areas access these services," she said.
Ms Grillo told femail news in an interview, that there is need for the Ministry of Health to inform the nation on how far they have gone in making cervical cancer screening services available to every woman in the country.
She said NGOCC was proud of Dr Kaseba's contribution towards the fight of breast and cervical cancer and the award bestowed on her by US's Susan G Komen for Cure Foundation.
"This award has put Zambia on the world map and as NGOCC, we are particularly happy that the First Lady is championing this fight against the number one killer disease of women not only in Zambia but the world over," she said.
Ms Grillo said it was gratifying that Dr Kaseba, an obstetrician gynaecologist, was using her career and intimate knowledge of health matters to improve the health of women.
And Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) executive director Patricia Ndhlovu said the global award of distinction bestowed on Dr Kaseba came at the right time when Zambia needs to do more to save lives of many women who are at risk of developing cervical and breast cancer.
Ms Ndlohvu said there is need for more partners to join hands with the Ministry of Health in fighting cervical cancer which is claiming lives of women, especially the youthful age.
Women for Change executive director, Emily Sikazwe said her organisation is proud of the First Lady's resolve to improve the health of women.
Ms Sikazwe urged Dr Kaseba to continue working hard for the betterment of public health in Zambia.
Board chairperson, Beatrice Grillo in congratulating Dr Kaseba on the global award of distinction in recognition of her contribution to the fight against cervical and breast cancer by Susan G Komen for Cure Foundation, said the First Lady must take the campaign to the creation of screening centres in rural areas Ms Grillo said a successful campaign against cervical cancer will require making screening centres within the reach of every woman.
"Screening facilities must be within track able distances to enable more women, especially those in rural areas access these services," she said.
Ms Grillo told femail news in an interview, that there is need for the Ministry of Health to inform the nation on how far they have gone in making cervical cancer screening services available to every woman in the country.
She said NGOCC was proud of Dr Kaseba's contribution towards the fight of breast and cervical cancer and the award bestowed on her by US's Susan G Komen for Cure Foundation.
"This award has put Zambia on the world map and as NGOCC, we are particularly happy that the First Lady is championing this fight against the number one killer disease of women not only in Zambia but the world over," she said.
Ms Grillo said it was gratifying that Dr Kaseba, an obstetrician gynaecologist, was using her career and intimate knowledge of health matters to improve the health of women.
And Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) executive director Patricia Ndhlovu said the global award of distinction bestowed on Dr Kaseba came at the right time when Zambia needs to do more to save lives of many women who are at risk of developing cervical and breast cancer.
Ms Ndlohvu said there is need for more partners to join hands with the Ministry of Health in fighting cervical cancer which is claiming lives of women, especially the youthful age.
Women for Change executive director, Emily Sikazwe said her organisation is proud of the First Lady's resolve to improve the health of women.
Ms Sikazwe urged Dr Kaseba to continue working hard for the betterment of public health in Zambia.
Women celebrate First Lady is award
By SITEMBILE SIWAWA
THE women movement in the country has congratulated First Lady Christine Kaseba for receiving the Global Award of Distinction in recognition of her contribution to the fight against cervical and breast cancer.
Non-Governmental Organisations Coordinating Council chairperson Beatrice Grillo said the award has placed Zambia on the world map.
Ms Grillo said in an interview that her organisation is pleased with Dr Kaseba for championing the fight against cancer.
She observed that cancer is the major cause of death among women not only in Zambia but globally.
"We want to congratulate the First Lady for receiving the Global Award of Distinction and we are particularly happy that she has dedicated this award to the people in Zambia who are involved in the fight against cancer," she said.
Women for Change executive director Emily Sikazwe said in a separate interview that the award is a great achievement not only for Dr Kaseba but all Zambians. M
s Sikazwe has since urged women in the country to step up efforts in fighting cervical and breast cancer.
Young Women's Christian Association chief executive officer Patricia Ndhlovu said the organisation is happy that Dr Kaseba has been rewarded for her relentless efforts in fighting cancer.
Last week, the Susan G Komen for Cure Foundation honoured Dr Kaseba with a Global Award of Distinction in recognition of her contribution to the fight against cervical and breast cancer. The First Lady was awarded at a ceremony held in Washington DC.
THE women movement in the country has congratulated First Lady Christine Kaseba for receiving the Global Award of Distinction in recognition of her contribution to the fight against cervical and breast cancer.
Non-Governmental Organisations Coordinating Council chairperson Beatrice Grillo said the award has placed Zambia on the world map.
Ms Grillo said in an interview that her organisation is pleased with Dr Kaseba for championing the fight against cancer.
She observed that cancer is the major cause of death among women not only in Zambia but globally.
"We want to congratulate the First Lady for receiving the Global Award of Distinction and we are particularly happy that she has dedicated this award to the people in Zambia who are involved in the fight against cancer," she said.
Women for Change executive director Emily Sikazwe said in a separate interview that the award is a great achievement not only for Dr Kaseba but all Zambians. M
s Sikazwe has since urged women in the country to step up efforts in fighting cervical and breast cancer.
Young Women's Christian Association chief executive officer Patricia Ndhlovu said the organisation is happy that Dr Kaseba has been rewarded for her relentless efforts in fighting cancer.
Last week, the Susan G Komen for Cure Foundation honoured Dr Kaseba with a Global Award of Distinction in recognition of her contribution to the fight against cervical and breast cancer. The First Lady was awarded at a ceremony held in Washington DC.
'Participate in constitution making process'
By SITEMBILE SIWAWA
THE youth have been asked to participate in the constitution- making process because they constitute the majority of the population in Zambia.
Youth Democratic Focus (YDF) executive director Elijah Siatwambo said it is unfortunate that many youths have not made any submissions to the Technical Committee on Drafting the Zambian Constitution (TCDZC).
Mr Siatwambo said this in an interview recently after the launch of Constitutional and Governance Youth Clubs (CGYC) in 17 high schools at Lusaka's Munali Boys High School.
Others schools are Arakan, Chelstone, Chilenje South, David Kaunda, Great North Academy, Kabulonga Boys, Kabulonga Girls, Kamulanga, Kamwala, Libala, Matero Girls, Matero Boys, Munali Girls, Olympia, Roma Girls and Saint Marys.
Mr Siatwambo also reaffirmed the urgent need to equip youths with adequate information for them to make informed submissions to the constitution making process.
He said the youth who constitute over 70 percent of the country's population supposed to be well-informed and enlightened unlike the current scenario where the majority youths have decided to engage in bad vices such as beer drinking and immorality.
"There is need for the youths to make submissions to the constitution making process so that their views can be heard and be considered for their betterment", Mr Siatwambo said.
He said the CGYC are meant to provide information and learning experiences to equip and empower students to participate in democratic processes.
"We want to start with young people so that they are knowledgeable before they get to university, he said.
Mr Siatwambo said the clubs would also be involved in debates on governance, democracy, adding that reading materials would be made available to all participating students.
He said "We intend to extend these initiatives to rural areas where most of our youths are lagging behind in the issues of governance and democracy", he said.
Munali Boys High School head teacher Lloyd Yamboto bemoaned the high levels of ignorance exhibited by pupils in high schools on issues of democracy and governance.
"It is disheartening to note the high levels of ignorance displayed by pupils on issues of governance and democracy, especially that we interact with them on a daily basis," Mr Yamboto said.
He said currently there is a vacuum in the leadership of the country because many pupils who are the supposed to be future leaders are not up-to-date with information.
And former Zambia Development Agency director of investment, promotion and privatisation Muhabi Lungu urged the youth to engage in debates that factual and not opinions.
THE youth have been asked to participate in the constitution- making process because they constitute the majority of the population in Zambia.
Youth Democratic Focus (YDF) executive director Elijah Siatwambo said it is unfortunate that many youths have not made any submissions to the Technical Committee on Drafting the Zambian Constitution (TCDZC).
Mr Siatwambo said this in an interview recently after the launch of Constitutional and Governance Youth Clubs (CGYC) in 17 high schools at Lusaka's Munali Boys High School.
Others schools are Arakan, Chelstone, Chilenje South, David Kaunda, Great North Academy, Kabulonga Boys, Kabulonga Girls, Kamulanga, Kamwala, Libala, Matero Girls, Matero Boys, Munali Girls, Olympia, Roma Girls and Saint Marys.
Mr Siatwambo also reaffirmed the urgent need to equip youths with adequate information for them to make informed submissions to the constitution making process.
He said the youth who constitute over 70 percent of the country's population supposed to be well-informed and enlightened unlike the current scenario where the majority youths have decided to engage in bad vices such as beer drinking and immorality.
"There is need for the youths to make submissions to the constitution making process so that their views can be heard and be considered for their betterment", Mr Siatwambo said.
He said the CGYC are meant to provide information and learning experiences to equip and empower students to participate in democratic processes.
"We want to start with young people so that they are knowledgeable before they get to university, he said.
Mr Siatwambo said the clubs would also be involved in debates on governance, democracy, adding that reading materials would be made available to all participating students.
He said "We intend to extend these initiatives to rural areas where most of our youths are lagging behind in the issues of governance and democracy", he said.
Munali Boys High School head teacher Lloyd Yamboto bemoaned the high levels of ignorance exhibited by pupils in high schools on issues of democracy and governance.
"It is disheartening to note the high levels of ignorance displayed by pupils on issues of governance and democracy, especially that we interact with them on a daily basis," Mr Yamboto said.
He said currently there is a vacuum in the leadership of the country because many pupils who are the supposed to be future leaders are not up-to-date with information.
And former Zambia Development Agency director of investment, promotion and privatisation Muhabi Lungu urged the youth to engage in debates that factual and not opinions.
'Science can end poverty in women, girls'
By SITEMBILE SIWAWA
CAMPAIGN for Female Education (CAMFED)
Zambia says the recognition of science and technology in education play a
critical role in breaking the cycle of poverty in the lives of girls and women
in Zambia.
CAMFED Board chairperson Evangelist Esther Banda Sinkala said investing in science and technology education for girls is investing in the health of children, their mothers and the nation at large, while technological tools make communication easier and open up horizons for educational research.
Evangelist Sinkala noted with displeasure that despite improvements in modern medicine, children under the age of five in Zambia still die from malaria, diarrhoea and vaccine diseases thus serves the need for science to be included in education for girls.
"Child and maternal mortality are sensitive indicators of a country's development and we are as camfed believe that when we invest in science education for girls, we can curb many diseases which afflict Zambian children", she said.
She was speaking this during the Girls Science and technology camp held at Ndola Girls Technical High School in Ndola whose theme was" Science and Technology for Girls: A Life Changing Imperative.
"Evangelist Sinkala also said that when basic technology tools like mobile phones and PCs are given to girls and women especially in the rural areas can improve many aspects of their lives,she said.
She further said that once girls are exposed to science and technology subjects and offered remedial work they can perform well and qualify to institutions of higher learning.
Presenting science as a way of life through quizzes, games and motivating learning methods would simplify science and make it more enjoyable unlike the current scenario where both teachers and pupils are made to believe that science related subjects are too difficult for girls, she said.
Meanwhile, Education Minister Dr John Phiri said it is science and technology that will change the lives and opportunities for girls.
Dr Phiri said government is aware of the disparities prevailing regarding the performance of learners in science related subjects between girls and boys.
He said educating girls and women is the most effective investment for achieving long term health benefits for the nation, saving the lives of mothers and babies.
The minister said equal gender representation will only happen if girls participate effectively and equitably in education including science and mathematics.
"There will be more training of more teachers' especially female teachers in the fields of science, mathematics and technology for both primary and secondary schools", he said.
He further said that when girls are placed in an enabling and learner friendly environment, they are able to compete favourably and even outperform boys in science and technological subjects.
CAMFED Board chairperson Evangelist Esther Banda Sinkala said investing in science and technology education for girls is investing in the health of children, their mothers and the nation at large, while technological tools make communication easier and open up horizons for educational research.
Evangelist Sinkala noted with displeasure that despite improvements in modern medicine, children under the age of five in Zambia still die from malaria, diarrhoea and vaccine diseases thus serves the need for science to be included in education for girls.
"Child and maternal mortality are sensitive indicators of a country's development and we are as camfed believe that when we invest in science education for girls, we can curb many diseases which afflict Zambian children", she said.
She was speaking this during the Girls Science and technology camp held at Ndola Girls Technical High School in Ndola whose theme was" Science and Technology for Girls: A Life Changing Imperative.
"Evangelist Sinkala also said that when basic technology tools like mobile phones and PCs are given to girls and women especially in the rural areas can improve many aspects of their lives,she said.
She further said that once girls are exposed to science and technology subjects and offered remedial work they can perform well and qualify to institutions of higher learning.
Presenting science as a way of life through quizzes, games and motivating learning methods would simplify science and make it more enjoyable unlike the current scenario where both teachers and pupils are made to believe that science related subjects are too difficult for girls, she said.
Meanwhile, Education Minister Dr John Phiri said it is science and technology that will change the lives and opportunities for girls.
Dr Phiri said government is aware of the disparities prevailing regarding the performance of learners in science related subjects between girls and boys.
He said educating girls and women is the most effective investment for achieving long term health benefits for the nation, saving the lives of mothers and babies.
The minister said equal gender representation will only happen if girls participate effectively and equitably in education including science and mathematics.
"There will be more training of more teachers' especially female teachers in the fields of science, mathematics and technology for both primary and secondary schools", he said.
He further said that when girls are placed in an enabling and learner friendly environment, they are able to compete favourably and even outperform boys in science and technological subjects.
'Introduce corporal punishment to reinforce discipline'
By SITEMBILE SIWAWA
KALOMO member of Parliament (MP) Request Muntanga has called on government to re-introduce corporal punishment in schools in order to reinforce discipline among pupils.
Mr Muntanga said school children have lost sense of direction and discipline because they fear no-one.
He was speaking this at the meeting for parliamentarians and children from various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) at Parliament buildings.
"Parents in our constituencies are falling in their duties to discipline their children because beating is no longer allowed and that is not the society we want for our children," he said.
The visibly-annoyed parliamentarian said child sexual abuse is now high because most of the girls are sending wrong signals to men by the way they are dressing and for the love of money.
He advised the young people to desist from having the love of money to buy clothes and wanting to look good at the expense of going to school to become better people in society.
"Young people must help us to help them by allowing parents direct them in life and not doing things meant for older people like perming hair and fixing artificial nails," he said.
Mr Muntanga said the older generation was much disciplined hence many of them were focused as compared to this generation where school children want to own a mobile phone for wrong reasons.
"Young girls want to be painting their nails and perming their hair but who are they doing it for and young boys also want to wear trousers in a fashion that we cannot understand, and we wonder who they are all doing it for," he said.
The Parliamentarian also said traditional ceremonies like initiations ceremonies and mukanda were in the olden days a driving force for discipline among children because what they were taught was rich in culture and young women were taught to stay away from men and boys were taught to stay away from women.
"But the society we have today, young girls are the ones who are going after men and elderly ones for that matter and boys are ready to die for the love of girls," he said.
And his Mbabala counterpart Ephraim Belemu also added that corporal punishment was the only solution to enforce discipline among young people.
Mr Belemu said young girls in schools do not get along with female teachers because they want to compete with teachers in the way they dress.
He said parliamentarians are ready to stand by the children and debate on issues affecting them but the children must also display appropriate behaviour.
Mr Belemu said MPs were saddened to know that children who are the future of tomorrow are being sexually abused and forced into early marriages by their parents.
He said there is need for parliament to look at the Marriage Act and match it up to the acceptable standard where only children above 18 years can get into matrimony.
Women movement relaunch Campaign Support Fund
By SITEMBILE SIWAWA
THE women movement has re-launched the Campaign Support Fund which is aimed at raising financial resources locally and fund elections crusades for female candidates in 2016 polls.
Gender analysis of 2011 elections and Zambia National Women Lobby (ZNWL) 2012-2016 strategic plan were launched alongside the support fund. Founding member and life member of ZNWL Gladys Mutukwa said one of the issues constraining women in participating fully in elections is lack of access to funds.
Ms Mutukwa said on Thursday evening during the launch that access to resources still remains as one of the major constraints facing women in equal participations.
"It makes my heart bleed when we talk of 17 female members of Parliament out of 150 and 85 councillors, it breaks my heart and makes it bleed," she said.
She said a number of countries in southern Africa are doing well in gender equity but added that Zambia will get there soon.
Ms Mutukwa commended ZNWL for prioritising the strategy to raise resources for women so that they are empowered to be able to complete favourably with male folk.
She said there is no reason why politics should be so expensive that so people are knocked out because they do not enough money.
"That is something we need to change. It is not the amount of money that you have which makes you make good quality contributions in Parliament or council chambers or anywhere else," she said.
She said following the collapsed of the support fund, the women movement went back to the drawing board and realised that there is need to have consistence source of fund for female candidates.
ZNWL national chairperson Beauty Phiri said unlike in the past where women movement would lobby for funds outside the country, this time it will be done locally.
Ms Phiri said with the launch of support fund, the women movement will form a committee that will manage the funds to ensure accountability.
"These funds will not be aligned to individual political parties but to all women who are going to participate in the 2016 elections," she said.
She said women perform badly during election because they lack adequate funding.
ZNWL executive director Juliet Chibuta said women should start preparing themselves for future elections and urged political parties to change their adoption processes and adopt those that would allow more women to take part in elections.
THE women movement has re-launched the Campaign Support Fund which is aimed at raising financial resources locally and fund elections crusades for female candidates in 2016 polls.
Gender analysis of 2011 elections and Zambia National Women Lobby (ZNWL) 2012-2016 strategic plan were launched alongside the support fund. Founding member and life member of ZNWL Gladys Mutukwa said one of the issues constraining women in participating fully in elections is lack of access to funds.
Ms Mutukwa said on Thursday evening during the launch that access to resources still remains as one of the major constraints facing women in equal participations.
"It makes my heart bleed when we talk of 17 female members of Parliament out of 150 and 85 councillors, it breaks my heart and makes it bleed," she said.
She said a number of countries in southern Africa are doing well in gender equity but added that Zambia will get there soon.
Ms Mutukwa commended ZNWL for prioritising the strategy to raise resources for women so that they are empowered to be able to complete favourably with male folk.
She said there is no reason why politics should be so expensive that so people are knocked out because they do not enough money.
"That is something we need to change. It is not the amount of money that you have which makes you make good quality contributions in Parliament or council chambers or anywhere else," she said.
She said following the collapsed of the support fund, the women movement went back to the drawing board and realised that there is need to have consistence source of fund for female candidates.
ZNWL national chairperson Beauty Phiri said unlike in the past where women movement would lobby for funds outside the country, this time it will be done locally.
Ms Phiri said with the launch of support fund, the women movement will form a committee that will manage the funds to ensure accountability.
"These funds will not be aligned to individual political parties but to all women who are going to participate in the 2016 elections," she said.
She said women perform badly during election because they lack adequate funding.
ZNWL executive director Juliet Chibuta said women should start preparing themselves for future elections and urged political parties to change their adoption processes and adopt those that would allow more women to take part in elections.
'Incorporate community schools into public education system'
By SITEMBILE SIWAWA
THE Women and Law in Southern Africa (WLSA) has urged government to consider incorporating community schools into public schools.
Regional coordinator Matrine Chuulu said the integration is necessary to give children in community schools a sense of belonging to the mainstream education system.
Ms Chuulu said in an interview that children in community schools are usually orphans and other vulnerable children therefore government must take interest in their educational needs.
"Children in community schools feel segregated whenever they see their friends going to government schools," she said.
"There is need to fill up the gap by incorporating them into government schools", she said.
She said government must endeavour to fill in the gaps that exist in the education systems by taking care of the needs of the children both in public and community schools.
Meanwhile, Ms Chuulu called on Government to consider appointing more women to Cabinet portfolios unlike the current scenario where there are only four women in cabinet.
The WLSA demand is in line with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Protocol on Gender and Development which commits Zambia and other member states to having 50 percent of decision-making positions to women.
Ms Chuulu also observed that a lot still needs to be done in terms of the media giving equal coverage to women.
"We still have more men than women making news. The media should give equal coverage to men and women alike", she said.
Ms Chuulu said the media tend to consult men on matters of national development and women are only consulted on matters considered less important.
She also lamented the stereo-tying of issues involving women while men are portrayed in a dignified manner.
THE Women and Law in Southern Africa (WLSA) has urged government to consider incorporating community schools into public schools.
Regional coordinator Matrine Chuulu said the integration is necessary to give children in community schools a sense of belonging to the mainstream education system.
Ms Chuulu said in an interview that children in community schools are usually orphans and other vulnerable children therefore government must take interest in their educational needs.
"Children in community schools feel segregated whenever they see their friends going to government schools," she said.
"There is need to fill up the gap by incorporating them into government schools", she said.
She said government must endeavour to fill in the gaps that exist in the education systems by taking care of the needs of the children both in public and community schools.
Meanwhile, Ms Chuulu called on Government to consider appointing more women to Cabinet portfolios unlike the current scenario where there are only four women in cabinet.
The WLSA demand is in line with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Protocol on Gender and Development which commits Zambia and other member states to having 50 percent of decision-making positions to women.
Ms Chuulu also observed that a lot still needs to be done in terms of the media giving equal coverage to women.
"We still have more men than women making news. The media should give equal coverage to men and women alike", she said.
Ms Chuulu said the media tend to consult men on matters of national development and women are only consulted on matters considered less important.
She also lamented the stereo-tying of issues involving women while men are portrayed in a dignified manner.
Build more juvenile correctional centres, says NGOs
By SITEMBILE SIWAWA
THE Media Network for Child Rights and
Development (MNCRD) has called on Government to build more juvenile correctional
facilities in the country to avoid mixing child offenders with adults.
MNCRD executive director Henry Kabwe said government needs to build reformatory schools across the country so that incarcerated juveniles are not mixed with hard core criminals.
"It is necessary to build reformatory prisons in the country to avoid mixing juveniles with hard core criminals who have the potential of sodomising children," he said in an interview.
Mr Kabwe said on the other hand, lack of adequate child reformatory centres tends to affect the parent-child relationship because the correctional facilities are located far away from the communities.
Mr Kabwe pointed out the need for government and civil society organisations to partner and engage psycho-social counsellors to counsel inmate juveniles because most of them come from broken homes, while others are victims of abuse.
"The purpose of child correctional facilities is to help juveniles reform and not necessarily punish them and that is why those who are put in charge of these juveniles must not coerce them, he said.
Mr Kabwe said society must at all costs help child offenders become better people and not make them worse by discriminating against them.
A Human Rights Commission (HRC) 2011 Report on "Monitoring Visits to Child Correctional Facilities" highlights violation of human rights of inmates.
According to the report, some of the juvenile offenders are taken to prisons for adults and are forgotten there for months; hence some of them becoming hard core criminals.
Currently there are only three juvenile reformatory schools in Zambia namely Katombora in Livingstone, Nakambala Approved School in Mazabuka and Insakwe Probation Hostel for girls in Ndola. Katombora Reformatory is currently housing 106 male juveniles offenders, while Nakambala Approved School houses about 39 juveniles and Insakwe Probation Hostel has about 8 girls.
THE Media Network for Child Rights and
Development (MNCRD) has called on Government to build more juvenile correctional
facilities in the country to avoid mixing child offenders with adults. MNCRD executive director Henry Kabwe said government needs to build reformatory schools across the country so that incarcerated juveniles are not mixed with hard core criminals.
"It is necessary to build reformatory prisons in the country to avoid mixing juveniles with hard core criminals who have the potential of sodomising children," he said in an interview.
Mr Kabwe said on the other hand, lack of adequate child reformatory centres tends to affect the parent-child relationship because the correctional facilities are located far away from the communities.
Mr Kabwe pointed out the need for government and civil society organisations to partner and engage psycho-social counsellors to counsel inmate juveniles because most of them come from broken homes, while others are victims of abuse.
"The purpose of child correctional facilities is to help juveniles reform and not necessarily punish them and that is why those who are put in charge of these juveniles must not coerce them, he said.
Mr Kabwe said society must at all costs help child offenders become better people and not make them worse by discriminating against them.
A Human Rights Commission (HRC) 2011 Report on "Monitoring Visits to Child Correctional Facilities" highlights violation of human rights of inmates.
According to the report, some of the juvenile offenders are taken to prisons for adults and are forgotten there for months; hence some of them becoming hard core criminals.
Currently there are only three juvenile reformatory schools in Zambia namely Katombora in Livingstone, Nakambala Approved School in Mazabuka and Insakwe Probation Hostel for girls in Ndola. Katombora Reformatory is currently housing 106 male juveniles offenders, while Nakambala Approved School houses about 39 juveniles and Insakwe Probation Hostel has about 8 girls.
Funding of First Lady office cheers ZNWL
By SITEMBILE SIWAWA
THE Zambia National Women's Lobby (ZNWL) has distanced itself from the Non-Governmental organisations Coordinating Council (NGOCC)'s opposition of the allocation of K1.5 billion to the office of the First Lady.
"Our mandate as ZNWL is to advocate for the empowerment of women. We are therefore delighted that the office of the First Lady has been funded in such a transparent manner, as this will foster good governance and accountability," ZNWL chairperson Beauty Phiri said in a statement issued yesterday.
Ms Phiri said if its mother body the NGOCC wanted to oppose the
allocation, it would have done so when the yellow book of the national budget
was publicised and would have lobbied Parliament not to approve the allocation.
She said the NGOCC commended government for the transparent process in which the allocation was done as it will allow the people of Zambia to monitor the expenditure of the First Lady's office.
She said the NGOCC is aware that all past first ladies had activities attached to their office, funded by taxpayers' money which had never been audited because one could trace the vault of the expenditure.
Ms Phiri, however, said the women's movement would like to urge the authority to ensure that the office of the First Lady is constitutionalised.
The NGOCC had opposed the allocation of funds to the office of the First Lady, saying this is not a constitutional office.
Meanwhile Former District Commissioner for Kafue Michael Bwalya has commended government for allocating money to the First Lady's office.
Mr Bwalya said the monies will assist the First Lady to carry out her campaign against cervical and breast cancers which are currently claiming the lives of women.
He said for the First Lady to be successful in her campaign and to reach far flung areas, she needs funding.
"We had a situation where former first ladies had been running charitable organisations with the help of various donors who would expect favours and protection in return," he said.
He said Government decided to make the allocation public for the sake of transparency. Mr Bwalya said countries around the world have been funding the office of the First Lady because they value the role of the office.
He advised the First Lady not to be distracted by statements from "misguided and misleading people who are not interested in the progress of this country."
THE Zambia National Women's Lobby (ZNWL) has distanced itself from the Non-Governmental organisations Coordinating Council (NGOCC)'s opposition of the allocation of K1.5 billion to the office of the First Lady.
"Our mandate as ZNWL is to advocate for the empowerment of women. We are therefore delighted that the office of the First Lady has been funded in such a transparent manner, as this will foster good governance and accountability," ZNWL chairperson Beauty Phiri said in a statement issued yesterday.
Ms Phiri said if its mother body the NGOCC wanted to oppose the
allocation, it would have done so when the yellow book of the national budget
was publicised and would have lobbied Parliament not to approve the allocation.
She said the NGOCC commended government for the transparent process in which the allocation was done as it will allow the people of Zambia to monitor the expenditure of the First Lady's office.
She said the NGOCC is aware that all past first ladies had activities attached to their office, funded by taxpayers' money which had never been audited because one could trace the vault of the expenditure.
Ms Phiri, however, said the women's movement would like to urge the authority to ensure that the office of the First Lady is constitutionalised.
The NGOCC had opposed the allocation of funds to the office of the First Lady, saying this is not a constitutional office.
Meanwhile Former District Commissioner for Kafue Michael Bwalya has commended government for allocating money to the First Lady's office.
Mr Bwalya said the monies will assist the First Lady to carry out her campaign against cervical and breast cancers which are currently claiming the lives of women.
He said for the First Lady to be successful in her campaign and to reach far flung areas, she needs funding.
"We had a situation where former first ladies had been running charitable organisations with the help of various donors who would expect favours and protection in return," he said.
He said Government decided to make the allocation public for the sake of transparency. Mr Bwalya said countries around the world have been funding the office of the First Lady because they value the role of the office.
He advised the First Lady not to be distracted by statements from "misguided and misleading people who are not interested in the progress of this country."
Senior citizens bemoan poor media coverage
By SITEMBILE SIWAWA
THE Senior Citizens Association of Zambia (SCAZ) has moaned lack of coverage by the media on issues that affect the old aged in communities.
SCAZ chairperson Kufekisa Laugery said the issues affecting the aged in society are not reported on the media for they are regarded as unimportant.
Ms Laugery told Femail news that old people also experience abuse from members of their families and people within their communities.
"Most people do not know that old people also face abuse like the way children do and most abuse comes from family members who accuse them of practising witchcraft," she said.
The aged are mostly accused of practising witchcraft by their family members and they are left to fend for themselves, she said.
She said the aged do not normally have access to health care services because it is expensive and most of them cannot afford.
"There must be special privileges that the aged must enjoy and medicines must be readily available to them as they suffer from different ailments during that period," she said.
Ms Laugery however expressed happiness that government wants to formulate a policy that will enable the aged gets paid.
The aged needs to get paid as most of them are the ones who take care of the orphaned children whose parents have died of HIV and AIDS and some of these orphaned children have ailments, she said.
She lamented that it is difficult to take a child who is healthy and it is more difficult for the one who is frequently ill.
Zambia is called a Christian nation but there is no love for the aged or the less privileged in our society, said Ms Laugery.
She has since urged the community to always report any cases of abuse, old people go through to the police and the victim support unit.
She said the aged also need love and care from the community and family members and not taking them to old aged homes.
THE Senior Citizens Association of Zambia (SCAZ) has moaned lack of coverage by the media on issues that affect the old aged in communities.
SCAZ chairperson Kufekisa Laugery said the issues affecting the aged in society are not reported on the media for they are regarded as unimportant.
Ms Laugery told Femail news that old people also experience abuse from members of their families and people within their communities.
"Most people do not know that old people also face abuse like the way children do and most abuse comes from family members who accuse them of practising witchcraft," she said.
The aged are mostly accused of practising witchcraft by their family members and they are left to fend for themselves, she said.
She said the aged do not normally have access to health care services because it is expensive and most of them cannot afford.
"There must be special privileges that the aged must enjoy and medicines must be readily available to them as they suffer from different ailments during that period," she said.
Ms Laugery however expressed happiness that government wants to formulate a policy that will enable the aged gets paid.
The aged needs to get paid as most of them are the ones who take care of the orphaned children whose parents have died of HIV and AIDS and some of these orphaned children have ailments, she said.
She lamented that it is difficult to take a child who is healthy and it is more difficult for the one who is frequently ill.
Zambia is called a Christian nation but there is no love for the aged or the less privileged in our society, said Ms Laugery.
She has since urged the community to always report any cases of abuse, old people go through to the police and the victim support unit.
She said the aged also need love and care from the community and family members and not taking them to old aged homes.
Traditional herbs potions still hold appeal despite health risks
By SITEMBILE SIWAWA
"I normally use these herbs. They work well and it just takes a day before I start feeling like a virgin again."
These are the words of 38-year-old Sombe Chipolya whose livelihood largely depends on sales from herbal sexual boosters.
Sombe felt compelled to venture into herbal selling due to their popularity especially among young people.
Among the herbal solutions she sells include: vaginal-tightening and body warming herbs for women and penis and libido enhancers for men.
She also sells topical gel meant to enlarge female body parts like the hips, buttocks and breasts as well as gel meant to shrink unwanted belly fat.
Sombe explained that the herbs work well and she personally attests to the herbs' effectiveness, as she recently gave birth and swears the herbs have the ability to swiftly reduce the size of her birth canal.
She said some herbs are consumed in foods such as porridge, soup or drinks and others are inserted in the private parts.
Sombe says she buys her herbs from Tanzania and is quick to admit that her concoctions are quite expensive because of the long distances she travels to buy them.
She buys her medicines from Tanzania because Zambia has been experiencing deforestation in the recent past.
It is commonly believed that the use of sexual boosters in the Zambian society started with our forefathers.
Many claim that sexual boosters have the power to keep couples sexually satisfied and, therefore, reduce the temptation for having extra-marital affairs.
Perhaps this is the motivation for people to take these medicines, although they are not pre-approved by medical doctors.
However, one may question if healthy marriages are a direct result of a couple's healthy sex life. Surely there are other factors that contribute to a healthy marriage like spending quality time together and having open communication.
As many of you may know, these sexual herbs are abundant in our community. Sombe sells her products by the roadside; however, these products can also be found on sale inside public toilets around town centre.
Renowned herbalist and president of the Traditional Health Practitioners Association of Zambia (THPAZ) Rodwell Vongo disapproves of the indiscriminate sale of herbal remedies on the streets.
"Our streets are covered with herb vendors. What is more worrying is that many of them have no permanent trading places. If one has negative reactions from these medicines, they will have nowhere to begin looking for these people," he said.
Doctor Vongo said the herbal remedies are very effective but are sometimes abused by the buyers who do not follow the prescribed dosages but are interested in getting quicker results and end up taking an overdose which kills them.
The continued indiscriminate sale of the herbs has seen Dr Vongo calling on lawmakers to regulate the sale of herbal remedies in order to safeguard lives.
And a customer who spoke on condition of anonymity said she was prompted to buy herbs to tighten her vagina which she felt was losing its elasticity.
She was prescribed 'Sweet Lady' by a herbal dealer. But her experience was as bad as it made her vagina dry, something medical doctors preach against because a woman gets bruised whenever she gets involved in any sexual act.
"Sometimes the herbs would make me have a lot of vaginal discharge with a bad odour which would force me wear a pad like I'm on my menses," she said.
"I would not advise anyone to be taking these medicines because they have the ability to make you dependent on them," she said.
And a Lusaka-based medical doctor said people who take self or street-prescribed herbal remedies end up at the hospital with liver and kidney problems.
Abel Mwale, a senior resident medical officer at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH), said it is difficult for medical practitioners to manage patients who take self- or street-prescribed herbal remedies, especially if one is on long-term conventional treatment for TB, for instance.
"The effects of these remedies on the liver and kidneys may not be immediate but this might be evident the next time you visit your doctor. For the sake of your kidney and liver be careful with what you allow to reach these deep-seated organs that perpetuate 'the miracle of life'," he said.
"I normally use these herbs. They work well and it just takes a day before I start feeling like a virgin again."
These are the words of 38-year-old Sombe Chipolya whose livelihood largely depends on sales from herbal sexual boosters.
Sombe felt compelled to venture into herbal selling due to their popularity especially among young people.
Among the herbal solutions she sells include: vaginal-tightening and body warming herbs for women and penis and libido enhancers for men.
She also sells topical gel meant to enlarge female body parts like the hips, buttocks and breasts as well as gel meant to shrink unwanted belly fat.
Sombe explained that the herbs work well and she personally attests to the herbs' effectiveness, as she recently gave birth and swears the herbs have the ability to swiftly reduce the size of her birth canal.
She said some herbs are consumed in foods such as porridge, soup or drinks and others are inserted in the private parts.
Sombe says she buys her herbs from Tanzania and is quick to admit that her concoctions are quite expensive because of the long distances she travels to buy them.
She buys her medicines from Tanzania because Zambia has been experiencing deforestation in the recent past.
It is commonly believed that the use of sexual boosters in the Zambian society started with our forefathers.
Many claim that sexual boosters have the power to keep couples sexually satisfied and, therefore, reduce the temptation for having extra-marital affairs.
Perhaps this is the motivation for people to take these medicines, although they are not pre-approved by medical doctors.
However, one may question if healthy marriages are a direct result of a couple's healthy sex life. Surely there are other factors that contribute to a healthy marriage like spending quality time together and having open communication.
As many of you may know, these sexual herbs are abundant in our community. Sombe sells her products by the roadside; however, these products can also be found on sale inside public toilets around town centre.
Renowned herbalist and president of the Traditional Health Practitioners Association of Zambia (THPAZ) Rodwell Vongo disapproves of the indiscriminate sale of herbal remedies on the streets.
"Our streets are covered with herb vendors. What is more worrying is that many of them have no permanent trading places. If one has negative reactions from these medicines, they will have nowhere to begin looking for these people," he said.
Doctor Vongo said the herbal remedies are very effective but are sometimes abused by the buyers who do not follow the prescribed dosages but are interested in getting quicker results and end up taking an overdose which kills them.
The continued indiscriminate sale of the herbs has seen Dr Vongo calling on lawmakers to regulate the sale of herbal remedies in order to safeguard lives.
And a customer who spoke on condition of anonymity said she was prompted to buy herbs to tighten her vagina which she felt was losing its elasticity.
She was prescribed 'Sweet Lady' by a herbal dealer. But her experience was as bad as it made her vagina dry, something medical doctors preach against because a woman gets bruised whenever she gets involved in any sexual act.
"Sometimes the herbs would make me have a lot of vaginal discharge with a bad odour which would force me wear a pad like I'm on my menses," she said.
"I would not advise anyone to be taking these medicines because they have the ability to make you dependent on them," she said.
And a Lusaka-based medical doctor said people who take self or street-prescribed herbal remedies end up at the hospital with liver and kidney problems.
Abel Mwale, a senior resident medical officer at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH), said it is difficult for medical practitioners to manage patients who take self- or street-prescribed herbal remedies, especially if one is on long-term conventional treatment for TB, for instance.
"The effects of these remedies on the liver and kidneys may not be immediate but this might be evident the next time you visit your doctor. For the sake of your kidney and liver be careful with what you allow to reach these deep-seated organs that perpetuate 'the miracle of life'," he said.
State urged to address street kids challenges
By SITEMBILE SIWAWA
THE Ministers' Spouses Club has called on government to address the various challenges facing children who live on the streets.
Vice-President Guy Scott's wife, Charlotte, said this in Lusaka yesterday in a speech read for her by Minister of Labour Fackson Shamenda's wife, Mary, who is also club secretary general.
This was during the commemoration of the Universal Children's Day on the theme "Treasure our children" at Southern Sun Hotel.
"Government values initiatives by various stakeholders who provide services to improve the lives of children living on the streets," Mrs Scott said.
Mrs Scott said under-five mortality now stands at 119 per 1,000 live births and that the causes of these deaths are neonatal complications and various infections.
"The underlying cause of one-third of these deaths is malnutrition and Zambia has a high rate of stunting which stands at 45 percent," she said.
Mrs Scott also bemoaned the continued child sexual abuse which has negatively affected the lives of many young girls and boys across the country.
"It is sad to note that children are usually abused by people they know and trust. Most of them are close relatives," she said.
Mrs Scott has since urged the police and other law enforcement agencies to continue working tirelessly to address the high levels of child sexual abuse in the country.
And Media Network for Child Rights and Development executive director Henry Kabwe said children living on the streets deserve to go to school.
Mr Kabwe said currently, the number of children who have accessed early childhood education stands at 17.2 percent.
He also said formulation of the birth registration policy should be accelerated so that all children are registered at birth.
THE Ministers' Spouses Club has called on government to address the various challenges facing children who live on the streets.
Vice-President Guy Scott's wife, Charlotte, said this in Lusaka yesterday in a speech read for her by Minister of Labour Fackson Shamenda's wife, Mary, who is also club secretary general.
This was during the commemoration of the Universal Children's Day on the theme "Treasure our children" at Southern Sun Hotel.
"Government values initiatives by various stakeholders who provide services to improve the lives of children living on the streets," Mrs Scott said.
Mrs Scott said under-five mortality now stands at 119 per 1,000 live births and that the causes of these deaths are neonatal complications and various infections.
"The underlying cause of one-third of these deaths is malnutrition and Zambia has a high rate of stunting which stands at 45 percent," she said.
Mrs Scott also bemoaned the continued child sexual abuse which has negatively affected the lives of many young girls and boys across the country.
"It is sad to note that children are usually abused by people they know and trust. Most of them are close relatives," she said.
Mrs Scott has since urged the police and other law enforcement agencies to continue working tirelessly to address the high levels of child sexual abuse in the country.
And Media Network for Child Rights and Development executive director Henry Kabwe said children living on the streets deserve to go to school.
Mr Kabwe said currently, the number of children who have accessed early childhood education stands at 17.2 percent.
He also said formulation of the birth registration policy should be accelerated so that all children are registered at birth.
Gender based violence must be targeted at children
By SITEMBILE SIWAWA
ADVOCACY on gender-based violence (GBV) must be targeted at children as they are the custodians of the future, says Zambia Civic Education Association (ZCEA) executive director Judith Mulenga.
Ms Mulenga said the current crusade on GBV has only focused on adults and not children who are the main victims of the vice.
"GBV is only a result of the way we treat the children in society and if we do not treat them with respect or dignity then we will have a society that is full of abusers," she said.
She said GBV proliferation has become evident in our societies because children in the past were exposed to various forms of abuse, adding that the whole fight against the vice must start with parenting, as mothers and fathers are the key people in modelling children in society.
"If you abuse or manhandle a little boy, he will turn out to be an abuser in future and if you abuse a little girl then you are grooming her to be prepared for more beating in future or to be an abuser herself," she said.
And ZCEA board chairperson EnockMulembe said everyone should desire to develop informed citizens who will promote and protect him/her rights and those of others in the community.
"As ZCEA we lobbied and saw an abolishment of corporal punishment in schools in the education Act of 2011," he said.
Mr Mulembe said there is need for children to know their rights and that is his organisation has established over 400 child rights clubs throughout the country in community, basic and high schools.
ADVOCACY on gender-based violence (GBV) must be targeted at children as they are the custodians of the future, says Zambia Civic Education Association (ZCEA) executive director Judith Mulenga.
Ms Mulenga said the current crusade on GBV has only focused on adults and not children who are the main victims of the vice.
"GBV is only a result of the way we treat the children in society and if we do not treat them with respect or dignity then we will have a society that is full of abusers," she said.
She said GBV proliferation has become evident in our societies because children in the past were exposed to various forms of abuse, adding that the whole fight against the vice must start with parenting, as mothers and fathers are the key people in modelling children in society.
"If you abuse or manhandle a little boy, he will turn out to be an abuser in future and if you abuse a little girl then you are grooming her to be prepared for more beating in future or to be an abuser herself," she said.
And ZCEA board chairperson EnockMulembe said everyone should desire to develop informed citizens who will promote and protect him/her rights and those of others in the community.
"As ZCEA we lobbied and saw an abolishment of corporal punishment in schools in the education Act of 2011," he said.
Mr Mulembe said there is need for children to know their rights and that is his organisation has established over 400 child rights clubs throughout the country in community, basic and high schools.
safeguard your reproductive rights
By SITEMBILE SIWAWA
THE women's movement has called on women countrywide to safeguard their reproductive rights.In an interview recently Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) executive director Patricia Ndhlovu said a lot of women are not aware of their reproductive rights either in or outside marriage.
Ms Ndhlovu said most women only define gender-based violence (GBV) as being battered by their husbands but little is known that even refusal by one's partner to use protection when having sexual intercourse is GBV.
"Many women are not aware that refusal by a partner to use protection is GBV in its own right and it is also a serious violation of their reproductive rights," she said.
She said failure by women to know their reproductive rights has resulted in many of them having unwanted pregnancies and getting infected with HIV.
Ms Ndhlovu said women must not allow men to dictate to them what they are supposed to do when it comes to their reproductive rights because they are the ones at risk of getting infected and having unwanted pregnancies.
"Our women must always go to the nearest health centres to get correct information on these rights which many of them are not aware of," she said.
She also said as women are observing the 16 days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, they should be reminded that the right to safer sex lies in their hands and they must know that failure by their partners not to adhere to condom usage is tantamount to gender-based violence.
And Zambia National Women Lobby (ZNWL) chairperson Beauty Phiri said a lot of sensitisation on reproductive rights for women is needed because many of them are aware that they have them.
"GBV exists in many forms, it's not only being battered but even one's partner's refusal to use protection is gender-based violence," she said.
Many women think reproduction must be controlled by men but it's the women who should control it by getting beneficial literature from health centres, Ms Phiri said.
She said the media needs to bring out a lot of these issues because many women are not responsive to them and they end up having multiple pregnancies which they cannot keep and end up aborting.
Ms Phiri said women need to be educated on what constitute gender-based violence, where it starts from and where it ends.
THE women's movement has called on women countrywide to safeguard their reproductive rights.In an interview recently Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) executive director Patricia Ndhlovu said a lot of women are not aware of their reproductive rights either in or outside marriage.
Ms Ndhlovu said most women only define gender-based violence (GBV) as being battered by their husbands but little is known that even refusal by one's partner to use protection when having sexual intercourse is GBV.
"Many women are not aware that refusal by a partner to use protection is GBV in its own right and it is also a serious violation of their reproductive rights," she said.
She said failure by women to know their reproductive rights has resulted in many of them having unwanted pregnancies and getting infected with HIV.
Ms Ndhlovu said women must not allow men to dictate to them what they are supposed to do when it comes to their reproductive rights because they are the ones at risk of getting infected and having unwanted pregnancies.
"Our women must always go to the nearest health centres to get correct information on these rights which many of them are not aware of," she said.
She also said as women are observing the 16 days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, they should be reminded that the right to safer sex lies in their hands and they must know that failure by their partners not to adhere to condom usage is tantamount to gender-based violence.
And Zambia National Women Lobby (ZNWL) chairperson Beauty Phiri said a lot of sensitisation on reproductive rights for women is needed because many of them are aware that they have them.
"GBV exists in many forms, it's not only being battered but even one's partner's refusal to use protection is gender-based violence," she said.
Many women think reproduction must be controlled by men but it's the women who should control it by getting beneficial literature from health centres, Ms Phiri said.
She said the media needs to bring out a lot of these issues because many women are not responsive to them and they end up having multiple pregnancies which they cannot keep and end up aborting.
Ms Phiri said women need to be educated on what constitute gender-based violence, where it starts from and where it ends.
School pregnancies irk State
By SITEMBILE SIWAWA
THE Ministry of Education has noted with sadness the alarming levels of school girls who are falling pregnant in the country.
Principle education officer AgnessShipanuka said the Ministry of Education has noted with sadness the increasing number of girls falling pregnant while still at school.
"The pregnancy levels for pupils in grades 1-9 stands at 13,769 and 1,817 for those in grades 10-12 and it is higher among pupils from lower grades because they are young and do not have negotiating power," Mrs Shipanuka said.
She said this when she made a presentation at the meeting between members of parliament and children from various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) at Parliament Buildings recently.
Mrs Shipanuka also stated that the numbers of pregnant pupils in grades 1-9 in urban areas stands at 1,514 and those in the rural areas at 12,255, adding that those in grades 10-12 in the rural areas stood at 4,348 and those in urban areas is at 1,514.
She said the increasing levels of pregnancies shows that the girls are having unprotected sex which results in unwanted pregnancies and increased HIV and AIDS- related illness.
She said about 541,986 orphans at basic school levels are pregnant and vulnerability has been the major reason for falling pregnant.
She, however, gave the assurance that Government has since banned tutorial classes conducted in homes and school boarding facilities which contribute to school girls falling pregnant.
And Kalomomember of Parliament Request Muntanga said the moral fibre of society has decayed due to the adoption of foreign cultures by school children.
Mr Muntanga said sometimes young girls themselves contribute to the high levels of early pregnancies because they actively involve themselves with male counterparts.
THE Ministry of Education has noted with sadness the alarming levels of school girls who are falling pregnant in the country.
Principle education officer AgnessShipanuka said the Ministry of Education has noted with sadness the increasing number of girls falling pregnant while still at school.
"The pregnancy levels for pupils in grades 1-9 stands at 13,769 and 1,817 for those in grades 10-12 and it is higher among pupils from lower grades because they are young and do not have negotiating power," Mrs Shipanuka said.
She said this when she made a presentation at the meeting between members of parliament and children from various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) at Parliament Buildings recently.
Mrs Shipanuka also stated that the numbers of pregnant pupils in grades 1-9 in urban areas stands at 1,514 and those in the rural areas at 12,255, adding that those in grades 10-12 in the rural areas stood at 4,348 and those in urban areas is at 1,514.
She said the increasing levels of pregnancies shows that the girls are having unprotected sex which results in unwanted pregnancies and increased HIV and AIDS- related illness.
She said about 541,986 orphans at basic school levels are pregnant and vulnerability has been the major reason for falling pregnant.
She, however, gave the assurance that Government has since banned tutorial classes conducted in homes and school boarding facilities which contribute to school girls falling pregnant.
And Kalomomember of Parliament Request Muntanga said the moral fibre of society has decayed due to the adoption of foreign cultures by school children.
Mr Muntanga said sometimes young girls themselves contribute to the high levels of early pregnancies because they actively involve themselves with male counterparts.
House from hair: Beautician realises dream
By SITEMBILE SIWAWA
PROUDLY doing the work she loves, hairdresser Betty Tembo, 40, and mother to a 22-year-old daughter, Betty never imagined she would be an inspiration to other women by ensuring that she purchases a house from the money realised from her passion.
Being a school drop-out did not hinder Ms Tembo from realising her full potential in life but this only encouraged her to work even harder.
Her dream did not end there but she went further to acquire the most sought-after possession, a house.
Here is how Ms Tembo managed to acquire what she has and to be where she is at the moment and where she hopes to see herself in the near future: "I was born in Petauke in the Eastern Province on June 16, 1973 but life was not easy for my mother because my father died while my mother was still pregnant with me", said Ms Tembo.
With the death of her husband and the hardships endured in Petauke, Ms Tembo's mother decided to relocate to Lusaka hoping for greener pastures and settled in Bauleni where her interest for hair plaiting developed.
"We had a neighbour who used to work in a salon in Chilenje and whenever she went for work, I would accompany her to learn the ropes of hair plaiting", said Ms Tembo.
Unfortunately, Ms Tembo dropped out of school in Grade Five due to long distances she had to cover when trekking from Bauleni to Chilenje A Basic School.
After acquiring the skill of hair plaiting, Ms Tembo found herself working at Dolly hair salon in Chilenje market in 1988 but she didn't last there as her focus was on setting up her own business.
It cannot be disputed that Ms Tembo was determined to make a difference in her life.
"In 1995 three of my friends and I acquired a shop at the town centre and we were lucky that we already had our own customers, hence it was easy to quickly establish ourselves." she said.
When Ms Tembo fell pregnant, the father of her child did not marry her. She raised her daughter single-handedly, something she proudly speaks about.
"Since the father of my child refused to marry me, I have been taking care of my daughter since birth.
The money from hair plaiting has seen her through school and now she hopes to go to college to study nursing", said Betty.
By 2003 the hair plaiting business was booming as there were very few hairdressers. It was at this point that she acquired land in Garden House area along Mumbwa road and started building a house which took her about four years to complete.
"When I had raised enough money, I decided to buy a plot in the Garden house area and built a house so that my child and I could have a place to call home.
Besides my house, I am also putting up a three by one-block of flats on the same plot", she said.
As the old adage goes Rome was not built in a day, Ms Tembo's house wasn't built in a day, months or a year but with the perseverance, determination and endurance she withstood all storms.
To date Ms Tembo and her daughter have been living in the Garden house home for the last six years and thumbs up to her intelligence.
Lack of business is a major challenge facing Betty and many hair dressers today because many people have opted to tale up this noble yet simple job including the Masai from East Africa posing stiff competition by plaiting the 'Masai braids'.
Three Masai men can plait one person within four hours but can take two to three days when done by local hair dressers. Masai braids can last up to four months.
Besides being a hair dresser, Ms Tembo also travels to Nakonde to buy clothes for re-sell in Lusaka which include dresses, skirts, tops and trousers for ladies and says she is pleased with this line of business.
She was, however, quick to advise women not to degrade themselves by using improper channels of making money, but to use whatever talent God has given them to better themselves.
"In as much as education is the key to success as an old adage has it, talent and skill can make one succeed in what they do, if put to good use," she said.
And as we celebrate this year's Women's' Day whose theme is 'The Gender agenda: Gaining momentum' it is important to also focus attention on women who maybe considered less important as they, too, contribute to the economic development of the country.
In her spare time, Ms Tembo loves gardening and cleaning her home.
PROUDLY doing the work she loves, hairdresser Betty Tembo, 40, and mother to a 22-year-old daughter, Betty never imagined she would be an inspiration to other women by ensuring that she purchases a house from the money realised from her passion.
Being a school drop-out did not hinder Ms Tembo from realising her full potential in life but this only encouraged her to work even harder.
Her dream did not end there but she went further to acquire the most sought-after possession, a house.
Here is how Ms Tembo managed to acquire what she has and to be where she is at the moment and where she hopes to see herself in the near future: "I was born in Petauke in the Eastern Province on June 16, 1973 but life was not easy for my mother because my father died while my mother was still pregnant with me", said Ms Tembo.
With the death of her husband and the hardships endured in Petauke, Ms Tembo's mother decided to relocate to Lusaka hoping for greener pastures and settled in Bauleni where her interest for hair plaiting developed.
"We had a neighbour who used to work in a salon in Chilenje and whenever she went for work, I would accompany her to learn the ropes of hair plaiting", said Ms Tembo.
Unfortunately, Ms Tembo dropped out of school in Grade Five due to long distances she had to cover when trekking from Bauleni to Chilenje A Basic School.
After acquiring the skill of hair plaiting, Ms Tembo found herself working at Dolly hair salon in Chilenje market in 1988 but she didn't last there as her focus was on setting up her own business.
It cannot be disputed that Ms Tembo was determined to make a difference in her life.
"In 1995 three of my friends and I acquired a shop at the town centre and we were lucky that we already had our own customers, hence it was easy to quickly establish ourselves." she said.
When Ms Tembo fell pregnant, the father of her child did not marry her. She raised her daughter single-handedly, something she proudly speaks about.
"Since the father of my child refused to marry me, I have been taking care of my daughter since birth.
The money from hair plaiting has seen her through school and now she hopes to go to college to study nursing", said Betty.
By 2003 the hair plaiting business was booming as there were very few hairdressers. It was at this point that she acquired land in Garden House area along Mumbwa road and started building a house which took her about four years to complete.
"When I had raised enough money, I decided to buy a plot in the Garden house area and built a house so that my child and I could have a place to call home.
Besides my house, I am also putting up a three by one-block of flats on the same plot", she said.
As the old adage goes Rome was not built in a day, Ms Tembo's house wasn't built in a day, months or a year but with the perseverance, determination and endurance she withstood all storms.
To date Ms Tembo and her daughter have been living in the Garden house home for the last six years and thumbs up to her intelligence.
Lack of business is a major challenge facing Betty and many hair dressers today because many people have opted to tale up this noble yet simple job including the Masai from East Africa posing stiff competition by plaiting the 'Masai braids'.
Three Masai men can plait one person within four hours but can take two to three days when done by local hair dressers. Masai braids can last up to four months.
Besides being a hair dresser, Ms Tembo also travels to Nakonde to buy clothes for re-sell in Lusaka which include dresses, skirts, tops and trousers for ladies and says she is pleased with this line of business.
She was, however, quick to advise women not to degrade themselves by using improper channels of making money, but to use whatever talent God has given them to better themselves.
"In as much as education is the key to success as an old adage has it, talent and skill can make one succeed in what they do, if put to good use," she said.
And as we celebrate this year's Women's' Day whose theme is 'The Gender agenda: Gaining momentum' it is important to also focus attention on women who maybe considered less important as they, too, contribute to the economic development of the country.
In her spare time, Ms Tembo loves gardening and cleaning her home.
Prioritise fight against cancer in children, State urged
By SITEMBILE SIWAWA
ZAMBIAN Childhood Cancer Foundation (ZACCAF) chairperson Charity Pikiti has urged Government to prioritise the fight against cancer and life threatening blood disorders in children.
Ms Pikiti said in a presentation during the International Childhood Cancer Day on February 15 there is more focus on cancers affecting adults than children.
"We are lobbying Government and stakeholders to support us in the fight against cancers and other life threatening blood disorders in children", Ms Pikiti said.
She said there was need for Government to formulate policies to combat childhood cancers and commit more resources to enhance this fight.
Ms Pikiti disclosed that late detection of cancers in children has been the major cause of deaths in Zambia and will continue if intervention measures are not in place.
Meanwhile, University Teaching Hospital (UTH) consultant paediatrician Pauline Sambo said there are over 250 children in the country with various cancers and it takes about 18 months to treat cancer in the children.
Dr Sambo said many cancers in children are curable if they are detected early and there is optimal treatment with proper support and resources.
"The Neupogen drug used in the treatment of cancer is expensive costing as much as US$45,000", she said.
She appealed to government to make the drug available adding that it was important to carry out awareness campaigns on cancer in children.
"Health workers not only from within Lusaka but in far flung areas need to undergo training on how to treat cancer in children.
However, Dr Sambo said for the past two to four years many children have been free from cancer and life threatening blood disorders due to constant support from corporations and Government.
Kalima Kwenda whose son is suffering from Lymphoma cancer bemoaned the lack of Neupogen in stock.
She said bemoaned the high cost of drugs which the parents have to buy when they are not available in hospitals.
"Children with cancer need to be put on a special diet but when a child is admitted in the hospital where does the parent get money to buy nutritious foods from required as part of the treatment?" she asked.
Ms Kwenda urged parents to pay attention to any changes they see on their children seriously and rush them to hospitals immediately.
ZAMBIAN Childhood Cancer Foundation (ZACCAF) chairperson Charity Pikiti has urged Government to prioritise the fight against cancer and life threatening blood disorders in children.
Ms Pikiti said in a presentation during the International Childhood Cancer Day on February 15 there is more focus on cancers affecting adults than children.
"We are lobbying Government and stakeholders to support us in the fight against cancers and other life threatening blood disorders in children", Ms Pikiti said.
She said there was need for Government to formulate policies to combat childhood cancers and commit more resources to enhance this fight.
Ms Pikiti disclosed that late detection of cancers in children has been the major cause of deaths in Zambia and will continue if intervention measures are not in place.
Meanwhile, University Teaching Hospital (UTH) consultant paediatrician Pauline Sambo said there are over 250 children in the country with various cancers and it takes about 18 months to treat cancer in the children.
Dr Sambo said many cancers in children are curable if they are detected early and there is optimal treatment with proper support and resources.
"The Neupogen drug used in the treatment of cancer is expensive costing as much as US$45,000", she said.
She appealed to government to make the drug available adding that it was important to carry out awareness campaigns on cancer in children.
"Health workers not only from within Lusaka but in far flung areas need to undergo training on how to treat cancer in children.
However, Dr Sambo said for the past two to four years many children have been free from cancer and life threatening blood disorders due to constant support from corporations and Government.
Kalima Kwenda whose son is suffering from Lymphoma cancer bemoaned the lack of Neupogen in stock.
She said bemoaned the high cost of drugs which the parents have to buy when they are not available in hospitals.
"Children with cancer need to be put on a special diet but when a child is admitted in the hospital where does the parent get money to buy nutritious foods from required as part of the treatment?" she asked.
Ms Kwenda urged parents to pay attention to any changes they see on their children seriously and rush them to hospitals immediately.
Use herbal remedies against cancers and other diseases - Vongo
By SITEMBILE SIWAWA
GOVERNMENT needs to consider the use of herbal remedies in the fight against cervical and prostate cancers and other related diseases, says Dr Vongo.
Dr Vongo, who is president of the Traditional Healers Practitioners Association of Zambia (THPAZ) said in an interview that the fight against cancer is expensive and Government should resort to local resources.
He said," traditional healers are the right partners in this fight because we are closer to the people in the communities and people consult us first on any ailments they face before rushing to the hospital, and again we traditional healers are in the majority".
Dr Vongo said the fight against cancer is expensive as screening equipment to be bought and there is also need to have qualified personnel to conduct the screening.
Dr Vongo said Government should take a leaf from China which values herbal remedies and uses them in the fight against many diseases.
He said Government should see traditional healers as stakeholders and bring them on board in the fight against cancers which are posing a danger to many lives.
Meanwhile, Dr Vongo said there is need for sensitisation in the use of herbal remedies in cancer treatment as most people demonise herbal medicines.
He said in as much as traditional healers cannot screen for cancers, they too should be sensitised on the signs and symptoms so that when patients seek treatment, they are treated accordingly.
He said it was the desire of traditional healers to be fully involved in this fight from the onset up to possible treatment and recovery.
"We want a situation where doctors from the hospitals are able to refer cancer patients to traditional healers for treatment, we need to work as a team," Dr Vongo said.
He was quick to urge traditional healers to refer all patients showing the symptoms of cancer to the nearest clinics and not keep them in their custody for long periods or until their conditions worsen.
And a Lusaka-based doctor said there is nothing wrong with using herbal remedies in cancers as they act as supplement. Gertrude Tshuma said most of the conventional drugs have a natural element in them and so it is possible to use herbal treatment in cancers.
"All that is required is for the herbals to be identified and tested if they are suitable for use in the treatment of cancer and people must be warned to be seeking help from witch doctors", she said.
Dr Tshuma said herbal medicines should not be used as substitutes but rather as supplements which are able to alleviate the symptoms.
GOVERNMENT needs to consider the use of herbal remedies in the fight against cervical and prostate cancers and other related diseases, says Dr Vongo.
Dr Vongo, who is president of the Traditional Healers Practitioners Association of Zambia (THPAZ) said in an interview that the fight against cancer is expensive and Government should resort to local resources.
He said," traditional healers are the right partners in this fight because we are closer to the people in the communities and people consult us first on any ailments they face before rushing to the hospital, and again we traditional healers are in the majority".
Dr Vongo said the fight against cancer is expensive as screening equipment to be bought and there is also need to have qualified personnel to conduct the screening.
Dr Vongo said Government should take a leaf from China which values herbal remedies and uses them in the fight against many diseases.
He said Government should see traditional healers as stakeholders and bring them on board in the fight against cancers which are posing a danger to many lives.
Meanwhile, Dr Vongo said there is need for sensitisation in the use of herbal remedies in cancer treatment as most people demonise herbal medicines.
He said in as much as traditional healers cannot screen for cancers, they too should be sensitised on the signs and symptoms so that when patients seek treatment, they are treated accordingly.
He said it was the desire of traditional healers to be fully involved in this fight from the onset up to possible treatment and recovery.
"We want a situation where doctors from the hospitals are able to refer cancer patients to traditional healers for treatment, we need to work as a team," Dr Vongo said.
He was quick to urge traditional healers to refer all patients showing the symptoms of cancer to the nearest clinics and not keep them in their custody for long periods or until their conditions worsen.
And a Lusaka-based doctor said there is nothing wrong with using herbal remedies in cancers as they act as supplement. Gertrude Tshuma said most of the conventional drugs have a natural element in them and so it is possible to use herbal treatment in cancers.
"All that is required is for the herbals to be identified and tested if they are suitable for use in the treatment of cancer and people must be warned to be seeking help from witch doctors", she said.
Dr Tshuma said herbal medicines should not be used as substitutes but rather as supplements which are able to alleviate the symptoms.
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