Efficacy News

ZM: 2024 National Petroleum Outlook

ZM: Gov't Intensifies Efforts to Combat Cholera Outbreak The Zambian government has ramped up its response to a cholera outbreak, with Acting Minister of Health Hon. Douglas Syakalima confirming two new cases in Nakonde district over the past 24 hours. This brings the national tally to 15 cases. Speaking at a press briefing, Hon. Syakalima announced that seven patients have been discharged, while eight remain hospitalized in stable condition. He reassured citizens of the government’s unwavering commitment to containing the outbreak, describing cholera as preventable and treatable with timely intervention. The government has deployed rapid response teams to Nakonde to enhance containment efforts, including water quality monitoring and clean water distribution via water bowsers. Public health measures, such as food premise inspections, sensitization campaigns, and engagement with community leaders, religious groups, and transport operators, have also been escalated. “We urge citizens to prioritize hygiene, drink safe water, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as acute diarrhea or dehydration occur. Community leaders and media outlets are encouraged to play a critical role in spreading accurate information,” Hon. Syakalima stated. The Acting Minister reaffirmed the government’s dedication to achieving zero cholera cases and fatalities, emphasizing the importance of collective action to protect communities. The government remains vigilant as it works tirelessly to curb the outbreak and safeguard public health nationwide.

ZM: President Hichilema Reaffirms Partnership with Catholic Church President Hakainde Hichilema has reaffirmed the Zambian government’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the Catholic Church, emphasizing the critical role of peace and stability in driving national development. The President’s remarks came during a courtesy visit by Apostolic Nuncio to Zambia, Archbishop Gianluca Perici, at State House. Archbishop Perici conveyed a message from His Holiness Pope Francis ahead of the 58th World Day of Peace, highlighting themes of debt forgiveness and global harmony. President Hichilema acknowledged the Catholic Church’s unwavering support during Zambia’s debt restructuring efforts under the G20 framework. He expressed the government’s commitment to turning debt challenges into opportunities through investments, trade, and economic partnerships, aligning with Pope Francis’ call for debt relief to uplift vulnerable nations. “The Catholic Church has been instrumental in Zambia’s progress, particularly in education, healthcare, and social welfare. We remain committed to working inclusively with all faith-based organizations to empower our citizens,” President Hichilema said. Archbishop Perici lauded Zambia’s efforts in fostering peace and described his visit as a testament to the enduring friendship between Zambia and the Vatican. The two nations will celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations in 2025. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mulambo Haimbe, noted that Pope Francis’ message of peace and forgiveness aligns with Zambia’s core values, further strengthening the bond between the Holy See and Zambia.

ZM: Agriculture Ministry Warns Against Misuse of Agricultural Inputs and Loan Default

MOZ: SADC Calls for Peace Amid Post-Election Violence in Mozambique The Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation, Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, has expressed deep concern over the escalating political and security crisis in Mozambique following the country’s October 9 elections. While the elections were conducted in a generally peaceful atmosphere, as noted by the SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM), post-election tensions erupted into violence after the official results were announced on December 23. The unrest has resulted in significant loss of life, injuries, destruction of property, and disruption to public infrastructure. In her statement, Dr. Hassan, who is also the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, condemned the violence and called for all parties to exercise restraint. “We are deeply concerned by the continued loss of lives, injuries, and destruction of private and public property. The current situation has also caused economic disruptions, hindered cross-border trade, and affected the free movement of people,” she said. Dr. Hassan emphasized SADC’s readiness to support Mozambique in resolving the crisis through peaceful and constructive dialogue. “We appeal for an immediate cessation of all hostilities while urging parties to prioritize the well-being and livelihoods of the Mozambican people,” she added. The SADC reaffirmed its commitment to promoting good governance, social cohesion, and sustainable development in the region. It urged all stakeholders in Mozambique to engage in peaceful dialogue to address grievances and restore stability. Mozambique’s political turmoil has drawn regional and international attention, with calls for swift action to prevent further escalation and to safeguard the nation’s progress toward peace and development

ZM: DEC Apprehends Congolese Truck Drivers, Seizes Methamphetamine and Cannabis The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) in Chirundu District has intercepted two Congolese international truck drivers for trafficking methamphetamines and high-grade cannabis during routine operations at the Chirundu One Stop Border Post. The suspects, identified as Bruno Seke Mbeke, 52, and Bueya Paul Nsonde, 50, were found transporting illicit substances in vehicles registered under Groupe Jambo. Mr. Mbeke was caught with 33.2 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed in food boxes aboard a truck with registration number 5592 AAO4 (horse) and 3395 AAO4 (trailer). Meanwhile, Mr. Nsonde was found with 4.8 kilograms of high-grade cannabis packed in transparent plastics and transported in a refrigerated truck with registration number 8032 AT05 (horse) and 7183 AT05 (trailer). Preliminary investigations suggest the drugs originated from a Southern African country and were intended for delivery to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) via Zambia. Both suspects are in lawful custody, pending further investigations and court proceedings. The DEC has raised alarm over an increase in drug trafficking activities involving international truck drivers in the Southern African region. In a statement Allan Tamba, DEC’s Public Relations Officer, emphasized the Commission’s commitment to combating such activities through enhanced collaboration with local and international law enforcement agencies. “The long arm of the law will soon catch up with all offenders. Trucking companies are urged to strengthen monitoring systems to curb drug trafficking and avoid forfeiting their vehicles,” Tamba warned. The Commission reaffirmed its resolve to crack down on drug-related crimes, ensuring the safety and security of the Zambian borders and the Southern African region.

ZM: ZDA Achieves $9.89 Billion in Investments, Exceeds Job Creation Targets The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) has actualized $9.89 billion from the $58.78 billion in committed investments, generating 40,395 jobs, exceeding the initial target of 38,119 jobs.

ZM: Zambia Signs US$320 Million Deal for Mutanda-Kasempa-Kaoma Road Upgrade  The Zambian government has entered a landmark Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement worth US$320 million with Barotse Highway Limited (BHL) for the construction, upgrade, and maintenance of the 370-kilometer Mutanda-Kasempa-Kaoma Road.

ZM: Zambia Urged to Fight Climate Change Through Tree-Planting Drive Dr. Oliver Kandela Bulaya, a leading advocate for Climate-Smart Agriculture and Project Coordinator for the Conservation Farming Unit, has called on Zambians to unite in combating climate change through tree planting.

ZM: Ministry of Health Announces Urgent Measures on Cholera and Mpox Cases in Zambia Zambia’s Acting Minister of Health, Hon. Douglas Syakalima MP, has announced urgent measures in response to a cholera outbreak in Nakonde, Muchinga Province, and a confirmed Mpox case in Lusaka. During a press briefing, the Minister emphasized the government's dedication to public health and called for unity in tackling these challenges. The cholera outbreak in Nakonde has resulted in 13 confirmed cases, with two patients discharged and 11 in stable condition. The Ministry of Health is working closely with local and international stakeholders, including the Ministries of Local Government and Water Development, to provide a targeted response. Key measures include distributing chlorine, disinfecting affected areas, and enforcing sanitation protocols in public spaces such as markets and transportation hubs. To prevent further spread, citizens are urged to boil or chlorinate water, practice hand hygiene, and seek immediate medical care for any signs of diarrhea. The government has mobilized 2 million cholera vaccines, reallocating 197,000 doses to Nakonde for vaccination efforts in high-risk areas. Regarding Mpox, a second case has been confirmed—the husband of the initial patient, a 34-year-old woman. Both individuals are stable and isolating at home, with health teams monitoring eight close contacts. Preventive measures for Mpox include avoiding contact with symptomatic individuals, frequent hand hygiene, and reporting symptoms like fever or rashes to health facilities. The Minister also stressed the importance of clean water, hygiene, and early treatment in controlling cholera outbreaks, and highlighted President Hakainde Hichilema’s leadership as the Global Cholera Champion. He urged citizens to join in efforts for a cholera-free Zambia, emphasizing that community cooperation and robust government measures will help the country overcome these health challenges.