Gwembe declared disease ready

Gwembe declared disease ready

Gwembe, January 15, 2014, ZANIS–The department of health in Gwembe district has
disclosed that it is set for any disease outbreak in the area.

District Community Medical Officer Oscar Mwiinde told ZANIS in Gwembe today
that the health department has completed the epidemic preparedness
activities to effectively deal with outbreaks this rainy season.

Dr. Mwiinde said the department is ready to tackle any diarrheal cases
such as cholera in areas such as Chisanga and Chipepo that are prone to such outbreaks.

The health department in the area is happy that so far the district has not recorded any outbreak.

Dr. Mwiinde stated that the district health had enough stocks of chlorine and
that it has carried out community sensitization programmes on health issues.

And the district health department has successfully reduced malaria
incidences in the district which has been attributed to the vigilance of the health workers.

He said a lot of mosquito nets have been distributed and has commended
cooperating partners such as Society for Family health.

Dr. Mwiinde has however bemoaned the tendency of using mosquito nets
as fishing gear in most communities along Lake Kariba as negatively
affecting the effective fight against malaria.

 

Meanwhile, the Chipepo chiefdom will soon introduce a penalty fee to
households without toilets in an effort to improve sanitation in the
chiefdom.

A representative of Chief Chipepo Samson Siabwengo disclosed that headmen
will be required to pay K100.00 while common villagers will be
paying K50.00 when they are found wanting.

Mr. Siabwengo explained to over 25 headmen who turned up for a meeting
to air their concerns to Gwembe District Commissioner Alice Mwiinga that

traditional leaders were expected to lead by example.

He further urged the headmen to ensure that water points were fenced
to keep livestock away and ensure a clean surrounding around the
boreholes.