— Govt. advises DMOs to work with traditional rulers on anti-Ebola campaigns

Govt. advises DMOs to work with traditional rulers on anti-Ebola campaigns

Chisamba,  September 8, 2014 , ZANIS —  Government has advised the District Medical Office (DMO) in Chisamba District to work with the traditional leadership to sensitize people about Ebola.

 

Chisamba  District Commissioner Ferdinand Chipindi  says  this was because it was easier for DMOs  to obtain information on the deadly disease which they could pass on to traditional leaders and their respective subjects.

 

Mr. Chipindi  said in case of an break out, people in the villages would be more affected as most of them did not have the means of getting correct information.

 

“We all need information on this deadly disease but I think the chief and headmen should not be left out, these will help us pass on information to their subjects” said Chipindi.

 

ZANIS reports that the D.C said this during the official opening of a one day training on Ebola for Heads of government departments, today.

 

Mr Chipindi expressed disappointment at the selection of participants adding that issues of health were non-selective and affected everybody.

 

He said churches and non-governmental organizations were key stakeholders in dealing with epidemics hence the need to include them in such trainings.

“Health personnel alone cannot fight epidemics, we need concerted efforts and it is important that everyone is aware of what is happening and is involved so please, find a way of ensuring that people in the villages are sensitized about Ebola,” said Mr. Chipindi.

 

And Chisamba District Senior Environmental Health Officer Calvin Shikaaze said the district is prepared in case of an Ebola outbreak.

 

He said the District Medical Office had made a programme to ensure that information on Ebola was disseminated to the people in the district.

 

“On our programme, we are targeting schools and churches among other places because this is where most people are found” said Shikaaze.

 

Mr Shikaaze said the district has trained health workers on Ebola and that resources have being disbursed to the health facilities to conduct sensitization programmes in designated places.