GOV’T PRIDES IN ‘ONCOLOGY’ CHAMPS

By ANDREW PHIRI

MINISTRY of Health has eulogized eight oncology champions for displaying distinguished service, outstanding performance and commitment to the fight against cancer.

The country has further committed to improving cancer services

Health Minister Chitalu Chilufya flanked by his two permanent secretaries; Dr Kennedy Malama for Technical Services and Ms Kakulubelwa Mulalelo for Administration conveyed gratitude to the team as their contribution in the health sector has improved service delivery.  

He noted the need to recognise individuals who have distinguished themselves in the provision of cancer care services at the second commemoration of the National Cancer Palliative Care Conference tagged: ‘from Vision to practice, towards Coordinated Cancer Services’ held virtually from 12 to 14 August 2020.

“It is my expectation that these awards are going to become a biannual event to encourage leadership and good governance in cancer control and also encourage health workers to do more in the fields so as to benefit society” Dr Chilufya announced

Described as a guiding figure in cancer care services in Zambia, Cancer Control Services Director Dr Kennedy Lishimpi has been recognised for his leadership in the development of cancer control services in Zambia despite difficult circumstances. He is instrumental in the development of the Hospital strategic plan, plans of expansion of the Cancer Diseases Hospital, the National Cancer Control Strategic plan and decentralization of radiotherapy services.

In recognising Dr Sharon Kapambwe for ‘Excellence in Oncology,’ the minister noted her self-sacrifice and dedication as a leader in the field of public health and in particular cervical cancer prevention. She is well known in the screening and prevention programs which has expanded across the country with successful integration into the HIV/AIDS program.

On the global front, she is a Council Member for the Global Health Department at George W. Bush Institute and Advisory Board Member and faculty for the CanScreen5 project at the International Agency for Research on Cancer, member of the WHO Global Guidelines Development Group for cervical cancer screening among others.

She has co-authored various articles in peer reviewed journals especially on cervical cancer screening in Zambia and serves as the Medical Women’s Association of Zambia (MWAZ) president.

Awarded for her ‘Innovative Leadership in Oncology Training and Research Award’ Dr. Susan Citonje Msadabwe has been awarded for the development and implementation of specialist training as the first director of the college of clinical and radiation oncologists of the Zambia Colleges of Medicine and Surgery. The current specialist training program under her leadership has attracted international students from within Africa as well as beyond.

Her collaborative nature has attracted leading international institutions to collaborate with the program. She serves as a member on the African Organisation of Research and Training committee and serves as a member of the African Cancer coalition chairing the adaption of Clinical guidelines in Gynaecologic Cancer to the sub-Saharan African region.

She has spearheaded the establishment of the first ever clinical database for breast and cervical cancer patients at the Cancer Diseases Hospital’ a platform for future research. She has co-authored numerous scientific articles in peer reviewed journals.

Dr Catherine Mwaba has been acknowledged for her ‘Outstanding Clinical Oncology Service Delivery & Practice Award’ as a clinical leader who has dedicated her life to patient care and ensuring that quality assurance processes are available within the service delivery model for cancer patients to be seen with international standards and guidelines.

She is also an accomplished cancer researcher with regional collaboration activities that encourage on building a cancer service for not only Zambia but Africa

The Minister euroligised Cancer Diseases Hospital Seniour Medical Superintendent Dr Lewis Banda for the ‘Distinguished Service in Oncology’ having dedicated his life to treating patients and learning and teaching the art of oncology. He has exceptional clinical skills and now developing his administrative skills for hospital management.

In awarding Professors Mulindi Mwanahamuntu and Groesbeck Parham for their ‘Exceptional Leadership in Cancer Prevention Award’ the minister said the duo have been instrumental in developing the cervical cancer prevention program.

They are co-founders of the Cervical Cancer Prevention Program in Zambia, a nurse-led cervical cancer prevention program that led to policy change that resulted in Zambia becoming the first country to receive PEPFAR-funding for cervical cancer screening of HIV-infected women.

The two conceptualized and implemented Village-based Screening, designed and obtained funding for the first pilot study of Human Papilloma Vaccination (HPV) for adolescent girls in Zambia.

ZAMBIA'S 90-90-90 HIV TARGET POSSIBLE

GOVERNMENT is confident of meeting 90-90-90 Fast Track target by 2020 and ending AIDS as a public health concern by 2020.

Ministry of Health Director of Public Health represented by Assistant Director for Infectious Diseases Tina Chisenga is optimistic of attaining set targets through the available preventive measures being spread to various publics. 

Dr Chisenga says through abstinence, condom use, Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision, Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) and the new PreExposure Prophylaxis (PreP), the country was on the right trajectory although the public remained key in this process. 

She said this at the Stakeholder Validation Meeting on the Zambia HIV/TB Services Mapping Report in Lusaka. 

She said the report will serve as basis for measuring progress, validating feedback and improving service delivery in health facilities.

And PEPFAR Senior HIV Financing Advisor Rhoda Ohito has called for judicious use of resources run up to reaching HIV epidemic control. 

She said PEPFAR plans to support approximately 12000 community health workers in the next year adding 'we appreciate the perspective these results will bring to the planning and deployment of these workers which will be done in partnership with the Zambian government"

Meanwhile, UNAIDS Country Director represented by PEPFAR/Global Funds Implementation Advisor Nuha Ceesay says the TB response is equally yielding very encouraging results as more TB cases are detected with high treatment success rates. 

"We are also encouraged by the scientific advancement with simplified but effective drugs regiment for tuberculosis' he said. 

Over the years, partnership and resources for HIV and TB responses have increased significantly in Zambia hence progress in reducing new infections, keeping people alive, and fighting discrimination.

Despite the efforts, there are still pockets of people, communities and populations left behind hence the improved coordination and optimal investment to attain epidemic control and Fast Track ending AIDS by 2030.

ZAMBIA PLANS ROBUST 'AMR' RESPONSE

By ANDREW PHIRI

File: L-R, Minister of Water and Sanitation, Royd Kaziya; 
Health Minister Dr Chitalu Chilufya, Agriculture Minister 
Michael Katambo and AMR Focal person Otridah Kapona
during the launch of AMR Action Plan in Lusaka - 2017

MEDICATION, is critical in maintaining health as it is used to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent disease, though it is currently inhibited by threatening increase of Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR).

 It is evident that AMR, which is the development of resistance in a microorganism such as bacteria, virus, fungus or parasite or to an antimicrobial agent to which it was previously sensitive requires urgent attention in Zambia.

The World Health Organisation admits AMR threatens the effective prevention and treatment of an ever-increasing range of infections caused by bacteria, parasites, viruses and fungi.

Antimicrobial treatment is a major lifesaving intervention for infectious diseases. These can also be extensively used in animal health, agriculture and the environment sectors.

One of the biggest contributors of AMR in the country and world over is the increasing and lack of effective controls in the use of antibiotics in the human health system, veterinary medicine, agriculture, horticulture and aquaculture.

Government of Zambia working with partners is in support a robust plan to address AMR said to be an increasingly serious threat to global public health that requires action across all government sectors and society.

Recently, a multidisciplinary team met in Lusaka to chat the way forward in addressing AMR with representation from various sectors and institutions with the aim of developing an implementation plan for Zambia’s Multi-sectoral National Action plan on Antimicrobial Resistance.

This was in an effort to devise new approaches towards infectious diseases affecting human, animal and plant health through attention on Anti-Microbial Resistance.

Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary in charge of Technical Services Kennedy Malama guided through Public Health Director Dr Andrew Silumesii that there was need to adequately develop policies on the use of AMRs and one of the key strategies for reducing the emergence and spread of this resistance was optimizing the use of antimicrobials in human, animal, and plant health.

“Although intended for therapeutic use only in animals, antimicrobials, antibiotics in particular, are globally used for non-therapeutic purposes such as for growth promotion and mass disease prevention" said Dr Malama

He said Global guidance have emphasized the need for adequate policies to limit such non-therapeutic antibiotic use hence the need to adequately tackle the subject. 

Ministry of Health is working closely with Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, researchers and scientists from various institutions to put to halt this threat.  

Fisheries and Livestock Permanent Secretary David Shamulenge represented by Deputy Director of Veterinary Medicine Dr. Francis Mulenga to the team to prioritise investment into AMR research to help formulate informed policies.

In 2018, Zambia launched its first 10-year multi-sectoral antimicrobial resistance (AMR) National Action Plan following a One Health approach.

This was arrived at after a wide consultative process with line ministries and cooperating partners.  The plan aims to implement interventions across the key One Health sectors to fight AMR strategically and collaboratively.

The plan tagged at $17 million investment prioritised awareness and education, surveillance and research, infection prevention, sanitation and hygiene, optimising drug use and funding for research and development. ***

‘CEASE MATERNAL DEATH!’ ESTHER LUNGU

By Andrew Phiri, Lundazi

FIRST Lady Mrs Esther Lungu has raised the bar high for maternal health in Lundazi District in Eastern Province in a bid to put to stop the increasing burden of maternal mortality rate in the District.

Pregnant and heavy, women are travelling a long stretch in the bush on bicycles in order to access maternal health services in Lundazi District.

At times, the man is unavailable to accompany the heavy woman and worse still unwilling to escort the expecting mother to the health facility despite not having any means of transportation.

It is both availability and access to maternal health services that compound the challenge of mothers in rural communities. At the extreme end of it, death has occurred hence the clarion call ‘no woman should die while giving life’

It is this challenge that took the First lady of Zambia Mrs Esther Lungu to the east in Lundazi District from the comfort of state house to spend five days with rural based mothers in Lundazi District.

Mrs Lungu repeatedly called ‘no woman should die while giving life’ and true to her passion, she has embarked on a robust undertaking to fight for safe motherhood in the country.

Zambia joined the global community in marking this year’s Safe Motherhood Week under the theme “Universal Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health, leaving no one behind” 

An eight months pregnant woman, who has just turned 18 years old arrives at Kamsoro Rural Health Centre to seek maternal services in a conducive environment. She will spend the next few days at the Health Centre in the maternity Waiting Room constructed through the SIDA/USAID supported Reproductive, Maternal, New-born, Child, Adolescent Health & Nutrition (RMNCAH&N) program.

Cindy Chirwa is RMNCAH&N national coordinator who undertook tour of the four maternity waiting rooms constructed in the Lundazi District.

She reveals that a total of K550, 000 was spent on each of the three maternity waiting rooms and one maternity annex.

According to the World Health Organisation Country Representative Dr Nathan Bakhaita, although strides have been recorded in the bid to end maternal mortality, developing countries like Zambia still had work to do.

Dr Bakhaita commended government for the demonstrated commitment and efforts exerted towards the end of maternal death.

A group of Safe Motherhood Action Group (SMAG) surrounded First Lady Mrs Esther Lungu in Mwase Lundazi with heartrending music drawing her attention to the challenge expecting mothers undergo in the process of giving life.

“Amama nthumbo yauka, ine nalimnbana nayo – nalimbana nalimbana nayo, amudala agonelamo kumoba, amama ine nthumbo yauka (Mother, I have laboured with this pregnancy despite my husband continuing drinking beer all-night long)”

This was a demonstration of what mothers go through during labour without much support from their husband. Some walk for about five hours to get to the health facility without support from their husbands.

It is for this reason, Chief Madzimabwe in Chipata District told the First Lady how her chiefdom had started punishing men who do not support their wives during labour.

FRUITFUL CHAT WITH INQUISITIVE BRO ‘SON’ ON CHOLERA

…thoughtfulness of a metaphorical father

Today, I was approached by my first born son Dee not David concerning the unusual Sunday of family worship in place of the usual gatherings. “Dad, why aren’t we preparing for church today as we always do on Sundays?” asked Bro Son also called Dee not David.

I asked the boy to seat down with me. As we sat on the couch – he looked at me straight in the eyes as I explained the situation at hand. ‘Listen Bro Son’ I started. In life there comes a time when the country is in a crisis that doesn’t only affect the individuals but also the family and ultimately the nation as a whole.

He attentively listened as I pointed out to some items in the news bulletin we monitored last night, reporting on the cholera situation in the country. ‘This situation is not hopeless, son!’ I added much to his consolation thus loosened his face.

‘Dad, what about school?’ he asked. Last week I told Bro Son that he won’t report for school this month as the Ministry of Health, General and Higher Education deferred opening of schools at primary, secondary and tertiary levels nationwide to avoid further spread of the epidemic especially including the unaffected places.

The boy likes mangoes. I told him that he will not eat mangoes for now since our supplier is not allowed to do his usual business. Again he tied his face. “It’s for our good, son!” I emphasized.

“But what is this cholera, daddy?” he asked.

I quickly became serious to explain to my son. I told him that Cholera is a disease that is causes a lot of watery diarrhea (Cloudy rice water) and vomiting. This leads to rapid loss of water and salts from the body (dehydration). Cholera can caused death from dehydration.

Bro Son doesn’t get tired of asking questions. He further asked how cholera is spread – so I explained that Cholera germs feaces and vomits of an infected person. Cholera is spread when faeces from an infected person get into the water people drink or the food people eat. In addition, when it is spread when a person takes care of another who has the disease and they do not observe strict hygiene.
It is also spread through handshake with a person who has cholera germs on their hands.

The signs and symptoms of cholera are; severe vomiting, severe watery diarrhea (cloudy rice water), feeling body weakness, dehydration – with or without stomach pains.

Bro Dee quickly washed his hands and refused to shake my hand after the chat.
Beloved, adhere to hygiene standards at all cost. Remember, it is a better year.
-----
#MyWitDiary|1of2018

RHETORIC OF AN ALL-ENCOMPASSING OBLITERATION

…cleansing the city, annihilating vibrio cholerae

WALKING down the corridor amidst media colleagues. Armed with weapons of war – cameras, recorders, ball points and social media tools – the power of a united, purpose driven battalion to the national cause launched in.

Thoughts of the waterborne epidemic poured in the dish of my memory as my size feet were made wet by spraying. Conferring protection on me.

Anxiety of getting infected of the fearful, sweeping disease currently hitting our screens, circulating our airwaves and occupying pages of prints – the big story is CHOLERA OUTBREAK. Yes, it is the cholera outbreak in town – the closest my country has gotten to war. The war that calls for citizens’ arsenal and absolute adherence to outlined preventive measures.

Media comrades set in with shutters and lenses on the republican president - Commander in Chief. As asserted in the Medical Journalism doctrine ‘In battle; the pen, camera and recorder and gadget of livestream –are the quadruple threshing instruments that annihilate the enemy of nations faster. Information is it!” #MyWitDiary|1of2018

The command is power to the people. United in service to end the epidemic dubbed ‘the vibrio cholerae national war 2017/2018 - won by the people’. I mean once and for all!

If the words of health transformation agenda ached your hearing since November 2016; now is the time to recall the words of Minister of Health Dr Chitalu Chilufya ‘We need to promote heath and prevent diseases” yes, because curative is expensive, time-consuming, memory tasking and energy supping.

Halt fellow soldier – Do not retreat: Boil drinking water or treat it with chlorine always to make safe. Because the mighty warriors have fallen.
Remember to wash hands with safe water before preparing or handling any food.

On nutrition comrade – Do not eat food from the streets or unlicensed public eating places. Cook food well, keep it covered, eat it hot, and peel fruits and vegetables. Avoid eating raw foods. Always wash fruits and vegetables with clean and safe water. Cover the food and heat it before eating it.

Note that a soldier must keep his surrounding clean. Clean up surfaces in the kitchen and in places where the family bathes and washes clothes with disinfectants.

It is everyone's victory. My country will win!

NATIONAL HEALTH RESEARCH AUTHORITY, LAUNCHED

MINISTER of Health Dr Chitalu Chilufya speaking during the
Launch of the National Health Research Authority in Lusaka
__________________________________________

By Andrew H. Phiri

RESEARCH which is the systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions, has taken a new turn in the health sector after the launch of the National Health Research Authority. 

The Ministry of Health in its transformation agenda has placed health research as a priority need to inform decision making and policy direction using evidence based data.

The National Health Research Authority is a regulatory body that was established under the National Health Research Act No. 2 of 2013. The mandate is to provide a regulatory framework for the development, regulation, financing and coordination of the health research standards and guidelines for ethically sound health research.

In addition, the National Health Research Ethics Board established under the Authority is responsible for the ethical conduct of all health research in Zambia and regulates all Research Ethics Committees and Institutional Boards in Zambia. 

Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary in charge of Administration sees the launch of the Authority as a new chapter in health research and he is optimistic that the authority ushers in a new period in the area of research in the country.

“The launch is going to change the landscape of research in the country. Those who are still doubting should loosen up” said Dr Malama

For Minister of Health Dr. Chitalu Chilufya the launch of the Authority will go down into history and books of records that the health sector has changed for the better.  

He further paid homage to his predecessor late Dr Joseph Kasonde for his contribution to research in the country adding that the launch was as a result of the importance he attached to research.

“One giant of a medical doctor” said Dr. Chilufya to a standing ovation “One patriot by the name of Dr. Joseph Kasonde led the research agenda during his tenure as Minister of Health. We celebrate him today”

There is urgent need to address gaps in the process of responding and authorizing research.

It has been discovered that the process could be tedious hence causing delays in research. Therefore, Dr Chilufya has directed the Authority to ensure that they do not allow unnecessary bureaucracy but instead should quicken the process.

 “We must not create bureaucracy in the approval process” Said Dr Chilufya “We need to establish mechanisms that will improve data while protecting individual interest”

Launch participants follow proceedings at InterContinental Hotel
in Lusaka - (Picture by Wezzy Simbeye/Ministry of Health)
_____________________________________________

Unified approval process within a consistent system is what he expects from the Authority going forward.

He said that government wants to see timely approval of research studies and told the authority to abandon the business as usual posture.

He said adding that there was need to improve the environment for clinical trials. “It is important that clinical trials are supported through speedy processes”

Among the expectations, the authority will facilitate the investigation on how best to ensure set targets like the elimination of malaria, reduction of maternal death, epidemic control of HIV/AIDS has attained before 2021.

Dr Chilufya also stressed the need to embed a culture of research at University Teaching Hospitals adding that a Consultant has the responsibility to teach, provide service as well as conduct research.

After the launch of the National Research Authority, a consultative meeting with various stakeholders on the mandate of the Authority was held at in Lusaka.

The institution is planning to develop guidelines on traditional medicine as one of its plans in the coming year.

Although experts say that research has not been very bad in the country, there is need to regulate research in order to protect individuals and the population in general hence the establishment of the Authority.

Riding on the demonstrated favourable political environment, researchers are called to undertake studies in issues that affect the country and miss in policy and direction in the health sector. 

"We have a very favourable environment and that is why we need to work" said Dr. Godfrey Biemba

In the past, research has been dependant on external investigations and studies from international organizations like the World Health Organisation. The Minister of Health charged the Authority to correct that and promote research that will give proper direction in decision making in the country.

The Authority has since pledged to embark on a rich audit of previous works thereby assessing how such researches were undertaken and the policy direction in the health sector.

“Message to the researchers that we now have the regulatory board that promotes research therefore endeavour to engage the authority from the beginning” said Dr Biemba

The general public will not be left behind as they are to decipher research.

Simplifying the importance of research, “communities need to demystify research and its importance”

The Authority has since gone digital in the last two months in order to be accessible and speedy the process of authorizing research. “We are improving that platform and we want to make it easy for researchers” assured Dr Biemba

Tropical Diseases Research Centre (TDRC) is Zambia’s only national institute with the mandate to conduct research. Though coordinating other institutions in research, the centre elated with establishment of the National Health Research Authority.

JOURNALIST Andrew Phiri speaks to  NHRA CEO Prof. Godfrey Biemba
 in the sidelines of the consultative meeting held at Anina's Lodge in Lusaka 

- Picture by David Phiri
____________________________________

TDRC director Dr Modest Mulenga has welcomed the establishment of the authority further pledging to work under the National Health Research Authority as a regulator.

Dr Mulenga said that you cannot do things without evidence when you are dealing with human life hence stressing why research is a battle field which clears the way.

Due to peculiarities in Populations, it is said that Zambia will have to domesticate research. “It’s not right that research that is done else well is applied to our population” he said

Institutions of research go by themes, hence the need to have an overseeing institution to promote, coordinate, regulate and fund research.

The National Health Research Authority has the function of research promotion, regulation, coordination, capacity building and dissemination and knowledge translation and is seating at the University Teaching Hospital headed by a Director who is assisted by two deputy directors.