. KASONDE

By NAKUBIANA SHABONGO –
HEALTH Minister Joseph Kasonde says malaria has remained a serious problem in Zambia in the past one-and-a-half years.
Speaking after the inauguration ceremony of the Medical Stores Limited (MSL) Board in Lusaka yesterday, Dr Kasonde said incidences of the disease were still at the same level and had not improved.
He said Government, through the Ministry of Community Development, Mother and Child Health, would revisit the strategies in an effort to curb malaria.
“Malaria is a serious problem in Zambia and it is not only serious, it has either remained the same or worsened in terms of incidences in the last one-and-a-half years and it will always be a concern to us.
“It is quite clear what should be done because methods of controlling malaria are very basic. There is a spray, there are nets and of course the treatment for those diagnosed with it,” he said.
The minister unveiled an eight-member MSL Board that would be chaired by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Davy Chikamata.
He urged the Board members to ensure that essential medicines reached all citizens.
The Board comprises Finance Permanent Secretary Pamela Kabamba, Karen Sichinga from the Churches Health Association of Zambia, Mark O’Donnell from Union Gold Zambia Limited, and Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority director general Margaret Chalwe-Mudenda.
Others include Elijah Sinyinza, a medical officer at the Zambia Integrated Systems Strengthening Programme, Liyoka Liyoka, who is president of the Pharmaceutical Society of Zambia, Esau Nebwe, a consultant at Ness Associates Limited, and Southern Province medical officer, Jelita Chinyonga.