NATIONAL HEALTH RESEARCH AUTHORITY, LAUNCHED

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

OBITUARY: JOHN MOYO (1969–2017) Daring administrator for health transformation

By Andrew H. Phiri

THE death of Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Administration John Moyo has robbed the public service of a distinct administrator whose service will be greatly missed in the health sector.

Death struck John Moyo on Friday night after the vehicle he was driving lost control hence ending his life on earth. His death has caused sorrow and grief in many after his touching of lives in different ways.

His influence in the civil service has been evidenced by scores of people who turned out to pay his last respect.

Addressing scores of mourners at the funeral service, Republican Vice President Inonge Wina said that it was shocking to receive the news of the death of Mr Moyo, who she interacted with the very last day of his life. “I was panicking at Parliament in readiness for the question time” she narrated “Mr. Moyo quickly came to parliament building to update me on the outbreaks like typhoid. It was the last time I interacted with him”

Born on 30th November, 1969 in Chingangeni Village of Chipata District, Eastern Province, the departed John Moyo goes down as one of the transformative administrators in the country, as he leaves behind a story that starting as a personnel’s officer is but the beginning of an amazing journey to success.

His death is today read as a thriller penned down in the eyes of the readers. For others, it is an epic acted in the presence of viewers leaving everyone who knew him lost in unbelief.

Mr. Moyo was married to Mathilda. He leaves behind a boy and two girls.

In her tribute to her late husband, Mathilda moaned that death had taken her husband who was committed to family and work.

“My love, you always told me Gods time is the best.” Said Mathilda in a tribute read on her behalf.

Mr. Moyo will be remembered as a father figure in the eyes of colleagues and friends as he offered counsel to others. “I had a very big challenge at one point.” Testified Dr. Mpuma Kamanga of the Ministry of Health “The Late Moyo sat me down and offered me real counsel when I needed it most, I remember him as a counsellor”

Mr. John Moyo, joined the public service as an Assistant Personnel Officer in 1995 in the Ministry of Health and was later on transferred and promoted as Personnel Officer to Public Service Commission in 1998.

He kept on climbing the ladder, one step at a time. This explains his vast experience in administration having risen from grass to glory.

Moyo was promoted to the position of Administrative Officer in the Ministry of Science, Technology and Vocational Training. In his continued movements, he was reassigned to the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives as Chief Human Resources Officer.

He was later promoted to the position of Assistant Director- Human Resource Management and Development in the Ministry of Education in 2009.

He later served as Director of Human Resources and Administrations between 2010 and 2014  in the Ministries of Tourism; Information and Broadcasting; Local Government and Housing and; Education, Science and Vocational Training.

In 2014, he was moved to the Ministry of Health as Director Human Resources and Administration.

Due to his diligence and commitment to work, Mr. Moyo was in November 2016, appointed Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health responsible for Administration by Republican President Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, and served thus to the day he breathed his last.

Health Minister Chitalu Chilufya confirmed that the Ministry has lost a distinguished administrator was committed to entrenching strong systems in the health sector.

“He was my best friend” said Dr. Chilufya, “He was a reformed architect of a strong health system”

No doubt, the body of late John Moyo goes down with its vast knowledge and experience base that made him a rare being. He was buried at Memorial Park in Lusaka.

Many officers who worked closely with him have described the fallen administrator as an inspiration and a trendsetter in many facets of work.

And a Mr. Sikazwe as a family friend has described the late Moyo as a humble man who was true to family relations.

Mr. John Moyo was part of the transformation agenda that the Ministry of Health is currently pursuing in its quest to promote health thereby preventing diseases all-around. The process also aims at achieving health in all policies.

He will be remembered for his energy, knowledge and experience, qualities that formed a great combination in his work. His humor and touch has left a big gap in his immediate family and health sector.

MOH ‘ADVANCE’ TO FIGHT LATEST CHOLERA OUTBREAKS

LUSAKA_March 20, 2017: Ministry of Health Acting Spokesperson Dr. Wezi Kaonga has called on members of the public to heighten cholera preventive measures at individual and household levels as some areas are recording cholera outbreaks.

Dr Kaonga said Cholera has broken out in Chiengi and Mpulungu Districts of Luapula and Northern Provinces respectively.

Twenty-three new cases were reported in Chiengi District over the weekend bringing the cumulative total to 54. The new cases came from an illegal fishing camp which has since been closed down.

A cumulative total of 16 patients has also been admitted in Mpulungu since 15th March, 2017 and 13 are currently under treatment.

“The Ministry has moved in to prevent further outbreaks of Cholera in the affected areas, and so far no death has been recorded in the treatment centers” said Dr Kaonga, adding that the Ministry is also supporting all districts with resources for epidemic preparedness.

A health promotion team has since moved in to raise awareness on cholera in the affected areas and distribution of chlorine is ongoing.

And The Ministry of Health has further reminded members of the public to prevent cholera everywhere by ensuring that they drink clean and safe water (chlorinated or boiled), proper and healthy disposal of waste, washing hands after using the toilet and before handling food, and healthy keeping of food and the environment.

Meanwhile, the anthrax outbreak in Western Province is under control as no new cases have been reported in the last 34 days.

CANCER BATTLE RAVES

ZAMBIA has recorded tremendous progress in cancer prevention and control through heightened screening and early diagnosis, Ministry of Health has revealed.

Speaking on behalf of Minister of Health Dr. Chitalu Chilufya, Health Services Permanent Secretary Dr. Jabbin Mulwanda said that the country is slowly meeting targets for prevention of cancer through increased health promotion. He said this during the official opening of the First Cancer Control Consultative Meeting in Lusaka.

Dr. Chilufya further revealed that Zambia is experiencing a high burden of Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) with significant consequences on morbidity and mortality.

The Minister noted that Non Communicable Diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, diabetes mellitus (type II), and cancers are increasing as a proportion of causes of mortality in the country.

“Tobacco is another big preventive cause of cancer.” He added “stopping smoking makes a huge positive impact on the life of an individual, their families, friends and the community. The benefits of cessation of Tobacco smoking includes life expectancy and improved quality of life”

Zambia launched the 2016 to 2021 National Strategic Plan at the commemoration of the 2017 World Cancer Day on February 4, in Mongu, Western Province hence the consultative meeting hinging on the objectives of strengthening awareness coordination and linkages of cancer control prevention and management, resource mobilization, governance and dialogue for technical working groups was convened.

Government is slated to establish screening clinics in all the remaining districts following the successful establishment and operationalization of 53 screening clinics in the country. The target of 25 clinics are earmarked for opening in 2017.

He said that over 350,000 women have been screened for cervical cancer and over 50,000 treated for pre-cancerous cervical lesions since the programme started in 2006. In addition over 400 health workers have been trained in cervical cancer screening countrywide.

Government has also completed the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination demonstration project in which close to 50,000 adolescent girls were fully vaccinated against the virus, opening the way to in-cooperate HPV vaccination into the routine immunization programme.
Government has also sourced for US $25 Million for the construction of cancer centres at Ndola and Livingstone Central Hospitals as starting point for the target of at least one centre in each of the 10 provinces.

(Reported by Andrew H. PHIRI: MoH 2017; Picture by Wezy Simbeye)

CHILDHOOD CANCER GIVEN PROMINENCE

FIRST Lady Esther Lungu has lauded the continued fight against childhood cancers, as it is claiming young lives globally, Zambia inclusive.

80% of global cancer statistics are recorded in developing countries like Zambia hence the concern to raise awareness.

Mrs. Lungu made the pledge during the commemorations of the 2017 International Childhood Cancer Day organized by Kayula Childhood Cancer Foundation with support from Ministry of Health.

Zambia joined the global campaign “Together for Kids with Cancer” showcased at a colorful Musical Concert which pulled together children from various schools in Lusaka. The pupils aired their solidarity to children with cancer through music, poems, sketches and dances.

The First Lady stressed that all children are the future, as such they should, regardless of status in life, have the right to proper care.

“We need to do more and care more for children with childhood cancer” she said
The First Lady called upon the public to take good care of cancer patients from diagnosis, treatment and continued care for children with cancer.

“Whilst the doctors are giving them the medical attention, we too need to give them the social attention they need.”

Mrs. Lungu counseled that children with cancer should not be looked down upon as nonentities adding that they should as well be respected and given the deserved attention.

In addition, she appealed to all stakeholders to take this as a personal task in order to find a lasting solution to the challenge. “We are all affected” she said.

“I am personally interested and involved in this fight and will support the cause in any way possible including financially and materially” she added

And Minister of Health Dr. Chitalu Chilufya has since reaffirmed government’s roadmap to fight the plight for childhood cancer.

Dr. Chilufya lauded the demonstrated commitment by the first family for the good health of the people of Zambia.

“Childhood cancer is a growing public health concern and is claiming lives globally, Zambia included” he said “It is, therefore, important that we unite to combat cancer.”

He said that Cancer could surely be prevented by avoiding certain risk factors adding that in Zambia, the cancer control program is premised on a strong screening and early detection program.

“Childhood cancers have their own peculiarities and it is therefore imperative that we strengthen our school health and community programs”

Dr. Chilufya further revealed that government has decentralized cancer treatment to Ndola Central Hospital on the Copperbelt and Livingston Central Hospital in Southern Provinces.

Meanwhile, Cancer Control Director Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi shared a testimony of a cancer survivor who received treatment and care and was released to go back to school where he performed amazingly.

He said that it was surprising to see the named boy defy all odds and score 440 marks at grade nine examinations and was subsequently enrolled to a technical school.

Kayula Childhood Cancer Foundation is the only organization in the country housing children with cancer and caregivers during treatment. The Non-Governmental Organization was established in 2012 and is since housing over sixty children currently.

POLITICIANS, CHIEFS COMBINE EFFORTS TO BEAT CANCER

WESTERN Province Minister Nathanael Mubukwanu has called on the people of Senanga and the entire province to turn out in numbers in order to be screened for various cancers.

Mr. Mubukwanu said this when he played host to Minister of Health, Dr. Chitalu Chilufya, who was in the district to commission the first cervical cancer clinic in the district.

The Minister said that cancer screening should not attract stigma in this era challenging men and women alike to get screened for various cancers like cervical, prostate, breast cancers, including retinoblastomas in children.

“We do hope, as your leaders, that you take full advantage to maximize this opportunity to get screened and create more awareness,” said Mr. Mubukwanu. “Then next what we should do is simply to turn out in numbers and get screened for various cancers.”

Mr. Mubukwanu wondered how many men and women had dared to get screened for cancer, “We should become decisive and take all measures to prevent all deaths that are cancer related”

He added that the cervical cancer center could be accessed at any given time due to its proximity in order to improve health. “You don’t need to fly to Harare or Johannesburg to access such facilities anymore”

“Am very glad that we have come in large numbers and I do hope that in the same token, we shall continue flocking to this facility” he said

“We don’t want it to be a white elephant”

“If we make full use of this facility, we are going to prompt Government to bring more of such facilities to the district.”

The cervical cancer clinic at Senanga General Hospital is the seventh in the province.

And the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) has pledged to work with the Ministry of Health to ensure that men and women turn out in numbers to get screened and treated for cancer.

BRE Representative Induna Kachenda, Wakumelo Simona assured the Minister of Health Dr. Chitalu Chilufya of BRE’s role as torch bearer promising to encourage women to maximize the facility placed at their doorstep.

February, is a month dedicated to cancer awareness, screening and treatment.

'We Can, I Can' brings hope to cancer fight

MINISTER of Health Chitalu Chilufya has called for a collective voice against cancer diseases, a burden reported to be on the increase in the country hence pausing a threat to the productivity of Zambians.

And Western Minister, Nathanael Mubukwanu has bemoaned the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the province.

The duo said this during the commemoration of the 2017 World Cancer Day coupled with the Launch of the National Cancer Control Strategic Plan 2016 – 2021 held in Mongu District of Western Province.

Dr. Chilufya said that cancer is beyond a mare medical condition, as it affects the socio-economic, cultural and spiritual well-being of life.

"Just like the rest of the world, Zambia is facing an increasing burden of Non-Communicable Diseases" said Dr. Chilufya "Non-Communicable Diseases like cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, diabetes, and cancers are increasing as a proportion of the causes of mortality in Zambia.”

The Minister said that WHO estimates that Non-Communicable Diseases accounted for 27% of all deaths in the country of which cancers constituted an important proportion of these has triggered the clarion call for everyone’s involvement embedded in the theme ‘We can, I can’

According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) it is estimated that the five most commonly diagnosed cancers in men in 2012 were Kaposi sarcoma, prostate cancer, and cancers of the oesophagus, colorectum, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma while women were cervical, breast, Kaposi sarcoma, and cancers of the oesophagus and coli rectum. (MOH, Cancer Registrations, 2013)

Dr. Chilufya has pledged more support stating that government will continue to ensure that cancer prevention and treatment is prioritized. “We have made tremendous progress in cancer prevention and control as a country”

He said that working with cooperating partners, Government has successfully set up cervical cancer screening clinics in all the 10 provinces. Factors increasing likelihood of developing cancers in Zambia are attributed to among others tobacco use, insufficient activity, harmful use of alcohol, unhealthy diets, cancer associated infections and environmental factors.

The minister said prevention can best be achieved through choosing healthy life options such as quitting smoking, keeping physically active and choosing healthy foods and drinks.
Meanwhile, Western Province Minister Nathaniel Mubukwanu said that cancers of different types are among the top 10 causes of mortality in the province.

"Western Province has a very high HIV prevalence of 16% according to the ZAMPHIA report, making us second to Lusaka which is at 16.1%." He said

Mr. Mubukwano added that the same report revealed that his province has low viral suppression, making it the most infectious province in the country.

He has since called on the Minister of health to employ a special focus on the subject affecting the province.

And the Minister of Health has commissioned the first cancer screening clinic in Senanga District.

ZAMBIA TO LAUNCH NATIONAL CANCER CONTROL STRATEGIC PLAN, 2016-2021

ZAMBIA is slated to launch the National Cancer Control Strategic Plan: 2016-2021, an implementing mechanism for Government through the Ministry of Health to pull together resources from both government and cooperating partners, Reveals Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi, National Coordinator for Cancer Services in Zambia.

He says the document will guide the promotional aspect of good health and risk factors of smoking, mult...iple sexual partners and enlighten communities on symptoms of various cancers.

Dr. Lishimpi who is leading a multi displinary team of experts from Cancer Diseases Hospital and the Ministry of Health comprising of Oncologists, Surgeons, Medical Doctors, Pathologists, Laboratory Technicians, Nurses and the Cancer Registrar, are in Western Province to offer mentorship programs to locally based cancer service providers.

“Government working together with cooperating partners through the Cancer Diseases Registry is strengthening collection of cancer information in the country,” adds Dr. Lishimpi “this data will feed planning and implementation strategy for cancer control”

He further stressed that Zambia will tomorrow, February 4, join the rest of the globe in marking the 2017 World Cancer Day and heighten cancer awareness activities in the next one month.
World Cancer Day is marked worldwide on February 4, annually and ushers in a month long awareness program in various health centres to March 4.

The 2017 National Commemoration will be held in Mongu district, Western Province while the nine provinces and the districts under them will follow suit in marking the day.

The Hon. Minister of Health, Dr Chitalu Chilufya is expected to grace the commemoration coupled with the launch of the National Cancer Control Strategic Plan 2017 - 2021 and subsequently connect to Senanga to commission the first Cervical Cancer Clinic in the district.

Dr. Lishimpi said that one of the goals of the Ministry of Health is to set up cancer screening clinics in all the districts across the country, adding that only 54 districts out of a total of 104 currently have such facilities.

The 2017 World Cancer Day will be commemorated under the theme “WE CAN, I CAN” calling for everyone’s commitment to the cause of cancer.

Screening of cervical cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer and retinalblastoma is currently happening in Mongu, Senanga, Sesheke and Shangombo districts of Western Province.
The four cancers are reportedly to add up to 60% of all cancers in the country hence the focus on them.

Health Promotion, Disease Prevention Through Multisectoral Approach

The restructuring and re-organizing process of the Ministry of Health has recorded interesting and promissory reforms. It is one process that is tough in nature but the injury it might cause is only the means to the glorious end. I think.

As I share on this important subject, I will start with the key directorate that serves the purpose of ‘hub’ for information to both internal and external publics of this important Ministry.

Formerly called the Directorate of Technical Support Services with two key units of Health Management and Health Education; Health Management oversaw among others Provincial Health Offices, Statutory Boards or Grant Aided Institutions and did Performance Assessment for departments. On the other hand was Health Education were Health promotion, Public Relations and Website Management units sat.

Although health promotion was one of the units, it has since been primed as it is regarded as key in the bid to prevent disease in the country with high burden of diseases.

The new Department of Health Promotion, Environment and Social Determinants is mandated to provide efficient and effective health promotion strategies and   interventions through Social and Behaviour Change Communication, in order to empower individuals, families and communities with appropriate knowledge which will enable them make informed decisions and develop personal skills and sustain healthy lifestyles.

The department is also mandated to promote and improve hygiene and universal access to safe and adequate water, food safety, and acceptable sanitation, with the aim of reducing the incidence of water and food borne diseases throughout Zambia. Additionally, the department will facilitate the multisectoral response with all key stakeholders.