Government says it is continually increasing investment in health infrastructure that can with stand disasters in order to respond positively to disasters.
Health Minister Kapembwa Simbao said disasters like droughts, floods, disease out breaks and road traffic accidents have in the recent past been one of the greatest challenges to Government.
Mr. Simbao said disasters do increase the disease burden thereby making it more difficult for the country’s health system to cope.
He was speaking when he officiated at the World Health Day Celebrations whose theme was ‘Save Lives, Make Hospitals Safe in Emergencies’ at Nakatindi Hall in Lusaka today.
Mr. Simbao said Government is updating and installing technology and medical equipment in the health sector to meet the growing demands of disasters, adding that training is also going on in an effort to cope with disasters.
The Minister said with the support of cooperating partners like World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), his ministry is doing everything possible to ensure that health facilities are accessible and function at maximum capacity immediately after a disaster event.
He urged Zambians to take keen interest in building momentum for widespread emergency preparedness saying every disaster is a human and health tragedy.
Mr. Simbao thanked partners that worked with Government in recent disasters that the country experienced, adding that it is every person’s obligation to participate in making the country’s health facilities safer in emergencies.
“We therefore must all in spite of the magnitude of the problem combine efforts to put in pace measures to prevent disasters which are a tragedy to humans and health” he said.
And speaking earlier, who Country Representative Olusegun Babaniyi said WHO is dedicating the World Health Day 2009 to starting a new process that goes beyond a day celebration.
Dr Babaniyi said WHO will in 2009 and beyond be working with international and national partners to assist countries in preparing their health facilities and staff for emergencies.
He disclosed that WHO will support member states to develop and implement national policies and programmes to make health facilities safe in emergencies.
The Country Representative also revealed that technical support will be given to countries to develop emergency response plans, train health workers to respond to emergencies and document best practices as well as lessons learnt.
He said the campaign will assist member states to build resilience into their health systems so that hospitals, clinics and staff can withstand future crises and provide the health care that communities need in times of emergences.
And also speaking at the same event, Lusaka Provincial Medical Officer Tackson Lambart said emergencies can occur at anytime and place.
Dr Lambart said emergencies are acute to child development, adding that hospitals need to be ready to receive and manage emergencies at all times.
ZANIS/PM/ENDS/MM
I hope the disasters include sick politicians who normally fly to the south. Please improve the system.
Reading this article, this investment is about preparation for disiasters only. What happened to the thought of day to day health concerns for ordinary Zambians??
hmmm