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COVID 19, SOCIAL MOBILISATION IN CHIRUNDU AND LIVINGSTONE RESULTING IN 530 MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY GETTING VACCINATED

Zambia Red Cross Society engaged its Brand Ambassador Prince Siame to conduct social mobilization for the COVID-19 vaccine in Chirundu and Livingstone. Speaking during the event in Chirundu, Mr Siame encouraged all those eligible to get vaccinated. He emphasized that the vaccines were safe and that everyone should take the vaccines in order to protect their family and friends.

In Livingstone, Mr Siame addressed students from Livingstone school of Business and engineering (LIBES), Hillcrest Secondary school, Livingstone Post Office and Kalaluka community.

The Brand ambassador used live music performances and awareness talks to enhance advocacy and social mobilization in an effort to supplement government efforts in having 70% of the populations in Zambia vaccinated by June 30th, 2022.

In Chirundu, Mr Siame was joined by local artist Terry Nkumbwa aka Mr Tiger, wo together entertained the communities of Chikanzaya and Chirundu Market whilst delivering COVID-19 vaccination messages which in turn created a platform for interaction and subsequently,listeners getting vaccinated.

Social mobilization for the COVID-19 Vaccine was part of the Ministry of Health’s Ten (10) days’ campaign for the second relaunch of the COVID-19 vaccination in the country. A total number of 530 people in both Chirundu and Livingstone were vaccinated during  demand creation. This activity was a continuity from December last year, where the brand Ambassador  also conducted demand creation of the covid-19 vaccines in Kitwe and Solwezi Districts.

ZRCS INTENSIFIES RESPONSE TO CHOLERA PREVENTION IN LUSAKA DISTRIC

Zambia Red Cross Society, supported by the EU Programmatic Partnership Project, recently conducted Cholera response operations in Lusaka District.

In response to the recent Cholera outbreak in parts of Lusaka, the Society actively engaged in the Cholera Control and Prevention Campaigns. Focus of the response was on community social mobilization and promoting hygiene through various approaches like public address systems, radio programs, and Community Engagement meetings..

Collaborating closely with the Ministry of Health through the District Health Office, ZRCS  trained and deployed 200 volunteers from Lusaka District in Hygiene Promotion. The social mobilization activities included door-to-door campaigns, radio programs, and public address systems. The target for these efforts included Chilenje, Matero, Chipata, Kanyama, Chelstone, and Chawama Sub-districts. 

ZRCS encouraged communities affected to play their part responsibly by continuing to observe the Cholera preventive measures which included proper use of toilets, safe food hygiene practices, hand hygiene etiquette, avoiding shaking hands and proper disposal of waste, adding that these basic measures were beneficial in the prevention of Cholera and other diseases.

As part of this initiative, ZRCS has strategically set up Oral Rehydration Points at easily accessible locations for the communities. Volunteers were consistently available to offer assistance in these targeted areas, enhancing their efforts in combating the Cholera outbreak..

In a similar response, ZRCS also responded to Cholera outbreaks in Vubwi, Nsama, Mpulungu and Chipata Districts earlier this year in 2024.

ZAMBIA RED CROSS SOCIETY & ZAMBIA POLICE SERVICE UNITE AS THEY SIGN AN MOU TO PROMOTE HUMANITARIAN VALUES

In a historic event that characterizes the significance of collaboration between humanitarian organizations and law enforcement, the Zambia Red Cross Society and Zambia Police Service today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Zambia Police Headquarters in Lusaka. During the signing ceremony, ZRCS Secretary General, Mr. Kaitano Chungu, emphasized three essential aspects of this partnership:

“Firstly, we reaffirm the unwavering commitment of the Zambia Red Cross Society as an independent, neutral, and impartial organization, dedicated to executing its mandate within the realm of international humanitarian law. 

Secondly, we underscore the significance of training for both officers and Red Cross & Red Crescent personnel to enhance respect for and understanding of each institution’s respective roles and mandates. 

Thirdly, open dialogue and information sharing are vital to ensure transparency and a comprehensive understanding of the roles of all stakeholders, especially during complex emergencies, he said.”

Mr Chungu further emphasized the historical roots of this collaboration, tracing it back to the visionary founder of the Red Cross, Henry Dunant. “This pivotal moment led to the establishment of the International Committee of the Red Cross & Red Crescent Society (ICRC) in 1863, and subsequently, the 1864 Geneva Convention, which was founded upon Dunant’s vision of an independent organization caring for wounded soldiers,” he explained.

The collaborative approach between Zambia Red Cross Society and the Zambia Police Service aimed at alleviating the suffering of civilians during armed conflicts, natural disasters such as floods, cyclones, infernos, and droughts. While Zambia has not experienced armed conflict for the past 58 years, it has encountered natural disasters that necessitate joint response efforts from these institutions.

He further explained that the Memorandum of Understanding emphasizes the crucial importance of basic first aid training for all men and women in uniform. “The Zambia Red Cross Society is equipped to ensure that every individual, including esteemed members of the police service, possesses fundamental first aid skills,” Secretary General Chungu emphasized.

“As we continue to work hand in hand, the benefits of this partnership and collaboration will undoubtedly bring hope and resilience to the communities we serve,” Secretary General Chungu concluded.

He extended his sincere gratitude to Inspector General Lt. Mr. Graphel Musamba for making this Memorandum of Understanding a reality and called on everyone present to embrace this collaboration with open hearts, strong minds, and a resolute spirit to make a lasting positive impact on the lives of those they are honored to serve.

And Inspector General of Police, Mr Graphel Musamba stated that the the memorandum of understanding was the continuation of what is believed to be a great milestone towards incorporating humanitarian considerations for the two institution’s operations adding that this will endeavor to enhance capacities to respond to situations of violence and disasters as well as other emergencies.

In a speech delivered by Deputy Inspector General of Police in Charge of Administration, Ms Elita Mbahwe, Mr Graphel Musamba said the deep-rooted commitment of both institutions to address the humanitarian consequences of armed conflicts and violence was emphasized. The shared belief in resolving conflicts and violence based on principles of humanity, independence, neutrality, impartiality, voluntary service, and universality forms a strong foundation for their collaboration.

“I wish to inform you that the two parties seek to create and maintain a strategic and collaborative relationship that is essential for developing and strengthening relations that are mutually beneficial in the best interest of serving the Zambian society by following the laid down roles and responsibilities,” Inspector General Musamba said.

The MOU is poised to contribute significantly to the well-being of Zambian citizens, further demonstrating the power of collaboration in achieving humanitarian objectives and strengthen efforts to prevent and alleviate human suffering

er demonstrating the power of collaboration in achieving humanitarian objectives and strengthen efforts to prevent and alleviate human suffering.

ZRCS EXTENDS A HELPING HAND TO YWCA, IN SUPPORT OF ACTIVISM AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

Zambia Red Cross Society in collaboration with International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Society donated assorted items to Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) Mothers Shelter and Safe Home in Lusaka, Zambia.This was in line with  the commemoration of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) under the theme ” invest to prevent violence against women and girls.

Speaking at the event held in Lusaka on Friday, Zambia Red Cross Society Acting Secretary General Cosmas Sakala said the theme reinforces ZRCS’s commitment on preparedness and response, particularly assisting women and children who are among the most vulnerable during disasters or hazardous situations.

“When we invest in the woman and the girl child, we empower them to be able to stand on their own and be able to fend for themselves. This category of beneficiaries is put as a priority  during times of distribution in our programs. Prioritizing their needs during distributions underscores ZRCS’ dedication to supporting those most affected,” he said.

Mr Sakala highlighted various interventions by ZRCS, that support women and children such as construction of Mother’s Shelters in Kalabo, Petauke, Lusangazi, Limilunga and Chirundu and cited successful initiatives like the Pneumonia program in Mongu, which empowered women through awareness campaigns to safeguard their children against Pneumonia.

Mr Sakala also added  that education and other forms of empowerment are key factors that release everyone from the bondage of vices such as abuse, poverty, lack, and sickness and hence the need to prioritise investing in and empowering women and girls.

“As Zambia Red Cross Society, we are currently implementing a program called Community-Based Health Resilience, which addresses the neonatal needs of mother and child in the rural areas”, he said.

Mr Sakala stated that even as the 16 days of activism campaign was over,  ZRCS reiterates its commitment to building a world free from violence against women and girls.

Meanwhile, YWCA Branch President Ms Mwaka Mulenga stated that YWCA continues to be a safe haven for many victims and hence the organisation is often overwhelmed and that the support coming from ZRCS could not have come at a better time than this.

“When victims run away from their homes and come to YWCA, they arrive without food, clothing, or any basic necessities. Some of the victims are pregnant, so when they come what do we do, the victims require immediate preparation for delivery”, She said.

Items donated included baby hampers, Chitenges, washing powder, Toothpastes Toothbrushes, books, pencils, Toilet paper, Sanitary towels, cooking oil, slippers, bathing soap and bags of mealie meal, totaling K55,000.

And YWCA Executive Director Ms Miriam Mwiinga extended her gratitude to Zambia Red Cross Society for their generous donation of assorted items as this assistance will go a long way in helping the vulnerable women and children at the shelters.

Ms Mwiinga further stated that YWCA seeks an opportunity of solidifying the partnership with Zambia Red Cross Society in their mission to assist and uplift vulnerable women and girls through an Memorandum of Understanding.

Ms Mwiinga also appealed to Zambia Red Cross Society to consider providing psychosocial support, especially self-care activities, as the staff is considerably overwhelmed due to the number of victims they assist.

ZRCS, IFRC PARTICIPANTS IN CONFERENCE ON PUBLIC HEALTH IN AFRICA

Zambia Red Cross Society Acting Secretary-General speaking on behalf of International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) announced the establishment of the Resilient and Empowered African Community Health (REACH) Initiative by  IFRC and Africa CDC at the 3rd International Conference in Public Health in Africa held from 27th to 30th November, 2023. 

He highlighted the commitment of the IFRC and its 192-member National Societies to support governments in providing health services globally, particularly to the last mile, underserved, and marginalized populations.

 “On the backdrop of this MOU as well as the strengths of their unique mandates, IFRC and the Africa CDC partnered to form the Resilient and Empowered African Community Health (REACH) Initiative, with the aim of improving health outcomes for African communities through the scale-up of a strengthened, people-centered, and integrated community health workforce and system, ” he said.

At the exhibition booth during the Conference, IFRC and ZRCS showcased their efforts toward fostering healthier, more resilient communities. They highlighted their contributions in Risk Communication, Community Engagement, and Health & Care programs, both in Zambia and across Africa.

Visitors learned extensively about ZRCS and IFRC’s impactful initiatives in public health, including Epidemic Preparedness, Community Health, Immunization, Public Health, First Aid, CP3, and the REACH Initiative

ZAMBIA RED CROSS SOCIETY TRAIN ZAMBIA ARMY IN ADVANCED FIRST AID

Zambia Red Cross Society (ZRCS) has trained and awarded Certificates of Completion to 50 Zambia Army Officer in Advanced First Aid training.

The training held from December 26, 2023 to January 12th, 2024 at Arakan Barracks comes as a continuation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) previously signed between the two organisations.

At the closing ceremony of the program held at Maina Soko Hospital, 50 deserving participants both serving and retired officers were honored with Certificates of Completion.

Speaking during the event, Acting Secretary General Mr Cosmas Sakala stated that

the First Aid Training was a continuation of what is believed to be a great milestone toward incorporating humanitarian considerations for the two Institutions’ operations as this will endeavor to enhance capacities to respond to situations of violence and disasters as well as other emergencies.

“As we continue to work hand in hand, the benefits of this partnership and collaboration will undoubtedly bring hope and resilience to the communities we serve. We embrace this collaboration with open hearts, strong minds, and a resolute spirit to make a lasting positive impact on the lives of those we are honored to serve”, Mr Sakala said.

And Director Medical Services Branch at Maina Soko Medical Centre, Colonel Doctor Eliakim Manda highlighted the timeliness of the training, underscoring its necessity in preparing Army personnel for any eventuality.