—–Serenje District Commissioner, Charles Mwelwa says sustainable human development can only be achieved if the national populous is health.
In a speech read on his behalf by Serenje District Administrative Officer, Fredrick Lubasi at the district inception meeting of the Anti- Malaria Community Health Information, Education and Video Extension (ACHIEVE) project held at Mapontela Village Inn in Serenje, Mr Mwelwa said government wants to work with all stakeholders in order to attain the intended reduction in Malaria incidence rates in Zambia by 2015.
Mr Mwelwa said the ACHIEVE project which will be carried out in Serenje by Global Esthetes Mine (GEM) funded by Zambia Integrated Systems Strengthening Programme (ZISSP) who are working in partnership with other technical supporters including the USAID and the Zambian Government will endeavour to contribute to the reduction of Malaria incidence rate in the targeted areas by creating awareness on Malaria Prevention through Drama, Music and Sport.
The District Commissioner said most people from the intended project implementation site in Serenje district earn their livelihood through fishing and during the rainy season, they shift to Camp sites in Swamps where they sleep under Make-shift structures thereby making themselves vulnerable to Mosquito bites.
Mr Mwelwa who observed that Malaria is one of the fastest diseases yet preventable said Mupepetwe, Chibale, Chibobo, Kabundi, Mailo, Muchinka, Nchimishi and Kunda Lumwansha areas have been identified as programme implementation sites in Serenje district.
Mr Mwelwa implored Chiefs, Civic and religious leaders, ZISSP Grant Support teams to take keen interest in supporting the ACHIEVE project if tangible results are to be attained.
He also implored husbands to allow and encourage their wives to access medical attention for Malaria prevention during pregnancy.
“Men should also secure their under five children from Malaria by ensuring prevention,” he advised.
And Serenje District Health Officer Dr Tiza Mufune said the fight against Malaria needs a multi-sectoral approach.