Distribution of oral cholera vaccines
Zambia will start distributing oral cholera vaccines within the first week of December, specializing in 54 recognized cholera hotspots to stop outbreaks throughout the wet season. The nation has 2 million doses readily available, with 3 million extra anticipated quickly. Enhanced surveillance and oral rehydration factors have been established in these areas. Efforts embrace collaboration with neighborhood volunteers to advertise hygiene. Throughout the 2023-2024 outbreak, Zambia noticed over 20,000 cholera instances and almost 700 deaths.
Social media monetisation
Zambia’s authorities plans to replace the Web Broadcasting Authority (IBA) Act to monetise social media, in keeping with Data and Media Minister Cornelius Mweetwa. He clarified that this initiative goals to boost the act with out limiting residents’ freedom of expression on social media. The federal government is already engaged on repealing and changing the present IBA Act.
Virtually 1 / 4 of Zambians observe open defecation
On World Rest room Day, November 19, Minister of Water Improvement and Sanitation, Collins Nzovu, highlighted that 24% of Zambians nonetheless observe open defecation, which worsens illness transmission, significantly in susceptible communities. The commemoration at Chinika Secondary Faculty aimed to lift consciousness in regards to the significance of sanitation for public well being.
Fugitive MP arrested in Zimbabwe
Emmanuel “Jay Jay” Banda, a fugitive Zambian MP dealing with theft costs, has been arrested in Zimbabwe after escaping custody in August. Banda fled by a window at Chipata Central Hospital whereas underneath police guard. A bounty of two million kwacha (roughly $72,000) was positioned on him. He was arrested in Harare at a rented flat and might be extradited to Zambia. The Zambian authorities is investigating those that facilitated his escape, and opposition figures have decried the state of affairs as politically motivated, claiming the fees towards him are geared toward silencing dissent associated to alleged state abductions.
Zambia and Zimbabwe expertise simultaneous blackout
Zambia and Zimbabwe skilled simultaneous nationwide energy blackouts on the evening of Sunday, November 24, possible resulting from a disturbance on energy traces related to South Africa’s Eskom utility. The outages started at 8:15 PM in Zambia and eight:25 PM in Zimbabwe. Each state energy firms, ZESA and ZESCO, reported system disturbances resulting in the lack of energy provide. Restoration efforts started instantly, with energy largely restored in Zimbabwe by 3 AM the next day. Each international locations face important energy technology shortfalls resulting from low water ranges on the Kariba Dam, leading to widespread and extended energy cuts, significantly in Zimbabwe the place cuts can last as long as 18 hours a day.
