Ipas Zambia Media Network

  By Hellen Chisha, Tuta Radio Chief Chisunka of the Ushi Speaking People in Mansa district has applauded government for constructing two mini hospitals in his chiefdom. Chief Chisunka says the construction of Chisunka and Chiango Mini Hospitals will go a long way in improving access to health services in the area.   The Traditional Leader reveals that Chisunka Mini Hospital is operational while Chiango Mini Hospital is at 90 percent completion and is scheduled to be commissioned in October, 2020.     He notes that expectant mothers used to cover long distances to access maternal health care at Mansa General Hospital.   Chief Chisunka adds that the mini hospitals will also carter for the two nearby Chiefdoms namely Katuta Kampemba  and Mutipula.    

By Hellen Chisha, Tuta Radio The Non-Governmental Organisations Coordinating Council (NGOCC) in Luapula province has introduced literacy classes for girls who have been withdrawn from early marriages as schools remain closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.   Speaking in an interview with Tuta Radio, NGOCC  Luapula and Northern Province Project Officer Patricia Lwaile says the organisation withdrew 156 girls from marriages in Luapula province from January to June 2020.   Ms. Lwaile explains that most of the girls who have been withdrawn from marriages have not yet gone to school due to the outbreak of the corona virus which has led to the suspension of classes for non-examination classes.   She explains that the literacy classes are meant to keep the girls occupied while schools are closed.

 By Nkwachi Chanda, ZANIS - Mansa Obstetric fistula is a serious health complication affecting most women in rural areas.  The ailment which causes women to suffer shame and social segregation can only be corrected through a surgical fistula operation.  The outbreak of COVID-19 led to fistula operations being halted in Luapula province.  However, under the new normal, operations have now resumed.  The move has delighted women who were on the waiting list. More in the following report.....

By Abigail Mulenga, K-fm Radio                                                                                                                In Zambia, girls in rural areas like Luapula Province are most likely to be married off or fall pregnant before they turn 18 years old. In the past, stakeholders thought poverty was the leading cause of child marriages and teen pregnancies. But there has been a turn of events. The Corona virus! With the coming of COVID-19, Non-Governmental Organisations and traditional leaders think the pandemic can be another reason for child marriages and teen pregnancies. More in this report.........                

  By Linda Mupemo, ZANIS - Milenge The European has partnered with government of the Republic of Zambia to fight Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV). 26 traditional leaders in Milenge district of Luapula Province have since completed a training on SGBV matters under the Natwampane programme. Natwampane Samfya Cluster Coordinator Adam Muchangwe notes that traditional leaders are the custodians of cultural beliefs that perpetuate SGBV hence they have been trained as champions of change.  Details in the following report...  

 By Abigail Mulenga, K-fm Radio Chief Chisunka of the Ushi speaking people in Mansa district has raised concern over the lack of information on the legality of abortion among his subjects. Chief Chisunka disclosed that his subjects only know that according to their tradition, it is bad or a taboo to abort a child. The Traditional Leader called on the Ministry of Health to conduct a sensitization meeting on the legality and benefits of abortions. He adds that if people understood the benefits and importance of legal abortions, it would be a relief to women that face health complications while pregnant. Meanwhile, Chief Chisunka who is also the Secretary for the Luapula Council of Chiefs disclosed that his subjects know about family planning and the importance of child spacing. He, however, complained that despite the knowledge that mothers have about these services, many have started shunning going to access these services due to myths that surround family planning.