Local authorities told to up their game in collecting garbage

Dr. Chitalu Chilufya cleaning

Health Minister Dr Chitalu Chilufya has noted the need for local authorities to up their game in the collection of garbage.

Dr Chilufya told journalists that it is important for local authorities to continue with the enhanced and effective collection of garbage around the country despite the cholera outbreak seemingly being contained and figures drastically reducing.

He has also noted the need for marketeers and citizens to adopt a culture of disposing off waste in a responsible manner that does not endanger the health of other citizens.

Dr Chilufya has also disclosed that government is in the process of engaging a company that will deal with waste management in Lusaka and around the country.

He says this will help in addressing the challenge of indiscriminate waste disposal and in the process help in ensuring that Zambia is a healthy nation.

Meanwhile The Ministry of Health says there is need for communities to be acquainted with necessary information on Cholera in order to prevent possible deaths.

Speaking during a media orientation workshop on Cholera in Lusaka, Ministry of Health Acting Director for Health Promotion, Environment and Social Determinacy, Dr. Mutale Senkwe says over 50% of the Cholera deaths arising from the current outbreak occurred within communities as opposed to health facilities.

Dr. Senkwe says the recent outbreak of cholera in the fishing camps in Shibuyunji and Chinkakata districts has shown that people lack necessary information on how they can prevent Cholera.

She says cumulative cases of Cholera stands at over 4,070 with about 300 cases recorded outside Lusaka.

Dr. Senkwe states that the national record stands at 4,416 cases as of yesterday.