Posts

Violence Has No Place in Elections

Image
Civil society forum demands police accountability over Lusaka shooting and urges political leaders to protect peace ahead of polls By Francis Maingaila The Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum Zambia (CSEIFZ) has condemned acts of political violence in Lusaka that allegedly left a nine-year-old girl injured during an opposition political roadshow, warning that violence threatens the country’s democratic process ahead of the August 13 General Elections. CSEIFZ Vice Chairperson and Executive Director of HANZ, Ms. Nakiwe Simpungwe, told Zambia24 that the reported shooting of nine-year-old Mercy Kunda was deeply concerning and showed the urgent need to protect innocent citizens during the election period. Ms. Simpungwe said children and other members of the public should never be caught up in political confrontations, adding that elections should be a period where citizens freely exercise their democratic rights without fear or intimidation. She called on the Zambia Police to pro...
Post a Comment
Read more

CPCR Mourns Guy Scott

Image
Hails His Legacy in Fight Against Non-Communicable Diseases By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka , Zambia24 – 18-07-2026- The Centre for Primary Care Research (CPCR) has paid tribute to former Vice President Dr. Guy Scott, describing him as a pioneer in Zambia's fight against non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and tobacco use. Speaking during a media briefing, CPCR Executive Director Professor Fastone Goma said the organisation was deeply saddened by Dr. Scott's death, noting that he played a critical role in advancing public health policies aimed at reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases in Zambia. Professor Goma said Dr. Scott had been a strong supporter of efforts to address the growing prevalence of NCDs, including advocating for stronger tobacco control measures. He said CPCR has long been engaging the Ministry of Health to develop and implement a comprehensive strategic plan on non-communicable diseases, while also pushing for legislation to regulate tobacco use,...
Post a Comment
Read more

Bridging the Gap

Image
 Why Zambia's Laws Must Catch Up With Adolescents' Health Needs By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 --- (16-07-2026) -- A 15-year-old girl walks into a health facility seeking help after surviving sexual abuse. She needs emergency care, counselling and information on preventing an unwanted pregnancy. The nurse wants to help but hesitates. The law is not entirely clear on whether some sexual and reproductive health services can be provided without involving a parent or guardian. Faced with uncertainty, the healthcare worker chooses the safer option—referring the adolescent elsewhere or asking her to return with an adult. The young girl leaves without the care she urgently needs. While hypothetical, participants at a recent multi-sectoral dialogue on adolescent sexual and reproductive health (SRH) said such situations reflect the difficult choices facing healthcare providers and the barriers many adolescents encounter when seeking essential services. The dialogue brought t...
Post a Comment
Read more

Inherited Crisis

Image
PF Official Says UPND Should Not Be Blamed for Economic Challenges Left by Previous Administration By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24  - 17-07-2026 - Opposition Patriotic Front (PF) Secretary General for Administration Edwin Lifwekelo has defended the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND), arguing that the party is not responsible for Zambia’s current economic hardships, which he attributes to challenges inherited from the previous PF administration. Mr. Lifwekelo told Zambia24 in a statement that President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration has spent nearly five years addressing economic challenges left behind by the PF government, adding that the current cost of living pressures and unemployment levels are a result of past leadership failures. He said he agreed with former Finance Minister Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane’s observation that Zambia’s poverty and unemployment challenges were linked to the PF administration’s failure to invest for the future and introdu...
Post a Comment
Read more

When Laws Become Barriers

Image
The Fight for Adolescent Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health Services in East and Southern Africa By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24  -- 15-07-2026 -- For many adolescents across East and Southern Africa, seeking healthcare is not always a straightforward journey. Young persons may walk into a clinic looking for help, but instead of receiving care, often meet with questions about their age, parents, or guardians. "Where are your parents?" "Why have you come alone?" For some adolescents, these questions become the first barrier standing between them and the healthcare services needed. This challenge is at the centre of the Step Up 4 Access Campaign, a regional initiative addressing legal and policy barriers to adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services.  Supported under the Regional SRHR Fund by Hivos and partners, the campaign brings together organisations in Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe to push for clearer, harmonise...
Post a Comment
Read more

Your Vote, Your Future:

Image
CSALR urges Zambians to protect development gains through informed choices By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24  -- 16-07-2026 -- The Civil Society Alliance on Legal Reforms (CSALR) has urged Zambians to take ownership of the country’s future by making informed and responsible choices in the forthcoming general election. The Alliance says the power to influence the direction of national development rests with citizens through the decisions they make at the ballot box, urging voters to carefully consider policies, leadership records, and development plans before casting their votes. Speaking during a town hall meeting in Rufunsa District, CSALR Alliance Chairperson Dr. Caroline Katotobwe said elections provide citizens with an opportunity to shape the future of the country by choosing leaders who can address their concerns and advance national development. Dr. Katotobwe said voters should look beyond political slogans, party loyalty, and personalities, and instead focus on the poli...
Post a Comment
Read more

98th Show Set to Deliver Economic Boost

Image
Fully booked exhibition space signals confidence in agriculture, trade and investment opportunities By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka , Zambia24 – 16-07-2026 - The 98th Agricultural and Commercial Show is set to provide a major boost to Zambia’s economy after organisers announced that all exhibition space has been fully booked, signalling renewed confidence from businesses, farmers and investors despite the uncertainties surrounding the election period. The annual showcase, which has grown beyond a traditional agricultural exhibition into a major trade and investment platform, will bring together farmers, corporate entities, government institutions, innovators and international exhibitors to explore opportunities in agriculture, mining, energy, finance, technology and commerce. Speaking during a press briefing in Lusaka, Agricultural and Commercial Cooperative Society of Zambia (ACSZ) Vice President Mr. Rene (R.) Lourens said the overwhelming response from exhibitors demonstrates t...
Post a Comment
Read more