Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Dr Chitalu Chilufya – Health Minister
Minister of health Dr Chitalu Chilufya has disclosed that the Kanyama which was one of the main cholera epi-centre in the country has not recorded any case of cholera for more than one month and two weeks.
And the ministry of health in partnership with the government of Japan has today launched the phase two project to upgrade Kanyama, Chawama and Chipata health centers to district hospitals at a cost of over US$35 million.
Speaking when he officiated at the ground breaking ceremony at Kanyama first level hospital, Dr Chilufya said the upgrade of Kanyama is part of government’s big agenda through the ministry of health to expand health infrastructure in the country.
Dr Chilufya states that government’s health system strengthening agenda targeting universal coverage is firmly on course as can be evidenced through the recruitment of over 10,000 new health workers, the upgrading of two first level hospitals and the construction of more than 300 health posts in the past one year.
He has announced that the upgraded health facility in Kanyama will see the increase of bed space from the current over 50 to over 130.
He has since commended the people of Kanyama for working together with the ministry in eradicating the outbreak of cholera.
He has further expressed gratitude to the Japanese government for its support in expanding and strengthening health systems and infrastructure in the country.
And speaking at the same event, Japanese ambassador to Zambia Hidenobu Sobashima is optimistic that the phase two project of upgrade of health centers to district hospitals in Lusaka will increase the number of people having access to basic health services at hospitals close to their homes and also reduce on the congestion at the university teaching hospital.
And area member of parliament for Kanyama Elizabeth Phiri urged the residents to utilize the facility further expressing gratitude to the ministry of health and Japan government for the gesture.