Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Zambia national health research authority director professor Godfrey Biemba has called for the institutionalization of research in Zambia which he says will help the country come up with home grown solutions to the many public health threats the country is facing.
Professor Biemba says the status quo is not healthy as most of the research done in Zambia is meant for academic purposes.
He says it’s important that research is Professionalized in Zambia as opposed to the current situation were research is only conducted when people are studying to gain professional qualifications.
Professor Biemba states that it’s high time Zambia comes up with home solutions through local research because it’s cost effective.
he was speaking during the official opening of the adolescent health research and best practices symposium in Lusaka, dubbed strengthening evidence based programming to improve and sustain adolescent health and development.
Officiating at the event, ministry of health permanent secretary technical services professor Luckson Kasonka says government attaches great importance to research as evidenced by its commitment to increasing investment in research, science and technology and by harnessing public private partnerships.
Professor Kasonka says research and utilization of program data will play a critical role in facilitating evidence based planning, management of health system and equitable provision of quality health services.
he however, note with concern that many adolescents have no access to relevant health information.
Professor Kasonka says risk behavior in light of HIV remains a source of concern as early sex debut is reported at 12.7% in girls and 16.3% in boys below the age of 15.