Mwansabombwe urged to heighten disease preparedness

Acting Mwansabombwe District Commissioner Katele Lengwe has urged members of the District Epidemic Preparedness Committee to remain on high alert to prevent disease outbreaks. Speaking when he opened the district epidemic preparedness meeting at the council, Mr Lengwe said…

Acting Mwansabombwe District Commissioner Katele Lengwe has urged members of the District Epidemic Preparedness Committee to remain on high alert to prevent disease outbreaks.

Speaking when he opened the district epidemic preparedness meeting at the council, Mr Lengwe said vigilance was critical following reported cholera outbreaks in some parts of the country.

Mr Lengwe said epidemic preparedness was not the responsibility of the health sector alone, but required concerted efforts from government departments, the local authority, health facilities, traditional and civic leaders, cooperating partners, communities and other stakeholders.

Mr Lengwe said the need for preparedness was heightened by the two cholera cases currently recorded in neighbouring Chiengi District.

Meanwhile, Council Secretary Felix Mwila said Mwansabombwe had not recorded a cholera outbreak in the past three years.

Mr Mwila called for concerted efforts among stakeholders to address water supply, hygiene and sanitation challenges and prevent disease outbreaks.