. Ngonga

By KASONDE KASONDE –
TIMES Printpak and Makeni Islamic Welfare Limited have entered into a partnership to help in the campaign against cholera through public awareness.
Makeni Islamic Welfare Limited Board member Haroon Ghumra said his organisation decided to enter into a partnership with the Times because of the newspaper’s consistency in reporting on cholera.
Mr Ghumra said the fight against cholera required concerted efforts from all sectors of the community and with such partnerships, much more could be done to promote good hygiene among the people and fight cholera outbreaks once and for all.
“We have been following with keen interest how Times Printpak has been highlighting matters on cholera outbreak and all the challenges that come with it,” Mr Ghumra said.
He said with the partnership with the Times, his organisation planned to display posters bearing information about cholera in public places such as bus stations and markets.
Mr Ghumra said his organisation was also working with the Lusaka City Council (LCC) to address the problem as well as mobilise resources to help in the fight against cholera through the provision of relevant commodities.
The organisation would be providing the LCC trucks with diesel to enhance garbage collection.
And Times Printpak managing director Bestone Ng’onga thanked the Makeni Islamic Welfare Limited for considering a partnership with the Times and for supplementing Government’s effort in fighting cholera.
Mr Ng’onga said this year cholera had been a bigger challenge as it broke out in September (before the wet season) and with the onset of the rain, the situation could escalate if not properly managed.
He said the regular flooding experienced in Lusaka creating the conditions for  disease outbreaks and the company had since dedicated a page on sensitisation of cholera to help curb the situation and save lives.
Mr Ng’onga said the company would also carry out its corporate social responsibility through highlighting preventative measures and promoting proper hygiene.
LCC Public health assistant director Edgar Mulwanda said the total number of cholera cases recorded so far was 760 since the outbreak in September and the council was working round the clock to fight the disease .