University of Zambia Medical Library

HIV/AIDS in Zambia: September 1 - 16, 1999

"Donıt Feel Sorry for Me for Being HIV Positive." By Amos Malupenga
The Post, September 16, 1999

I donıt like people who feel sorry for me, said HIV positive Mathews Miti yesterday. Miti, 20, who is also Lusaka Province secretary for the Network of Zambian People Living with HIV/AIDS, said he did not expect special treatment from society just because of his condition.

³As people living with HIV/AIDS, there are things we expect and like from society and things we do not like,² Miti said. ³Personally, I do not like people who sympathise with me because I do not expect that special treatment from society. But there are certain things or terms we do not appreciate, for example we are not happy when people refer to us as AIDS victims or AIDS sufferers. When you say Œvictimı it implies that I did it deliberately, which is not the case.²

Miti said he contracted the virus because he had very little knowledge about the disease. He said people living with HIV expected adequate care from society and suggested that they be given medical services because many of them could not afford it. He appealed to pharmaceutical companies in developing countries to reduce prices of all sorts of boosters. Miti said he knew he was HIV positive last year in March after being diagnosed for TB.

³A lot of people associate TB with AIDS so I decided to go for the test to prove them wrong but unfortunately I was HIV positive,² he said.

Miti said he later went public because of the love he has for the youths whom he expects to learn a lesson from him. Another man living with HIV, Clement Mfuzi, said people living with the virus can live for several years without using any drug to sustain them only if they are accepted by society.

Mfuzi said he became aware that he was HIV positive in 1991 and since then, he has lived without using any drugs because his family supports him emotionally. My wife, children and other relatives support me a lot and I have managed to come this far,² Mfuzi said. ³You cannot believe that Ido not take any drugs to prolong my life apart from treating any disease that come my way.² He also appealed to people to change their attitude against people living with HIV because they were just as human.

"AIDS Funds Proposed."
Times of Zambia, September 16, 1999

Finance Minister Katele Kalumba has said the scarce resources presently used on debt servicing should be used to fund HIV/Aids prevention activities under a scheme to be unveiled today. The proposal was being floated to multi-lateral and bi-lateral organisations.

Dr Kalumba is expected to release details of the proposed scheme at the 11th International Conference on Aids and STDs in Africa (Icasa) which closes in Lusaka today. He said cancellation of debt or a significant reduction in the debt servicing would free up resources for investment into activities that would control the spread of HIV/Aids and increase the positive response to the impact of the problem in Zambia. The minister said Government was committed to ensuring the development of programmes that stimulated productive activities which enhanced rather than undermined the capacity of the economy to repay loans. He, however, acknowledged the primacy of the HIV/Aids as an issue that needed immediate attention through concerted efforts of the Government and non-governmental partners.

"HIV Positive Woman Cry Foul." By George Jambwa
The Daily Mail, September 16, 1999

An HIV positive woman has complained of victimisation at a clinic where her son was allegedly denied medication and at her working place where she alleged to have lost her job because of her health status. Ms Catherine Zulu, narrated how one day her son was denied medication at a clinic in Lusaka on account that treating her child was a waste of time just because the mother was HIV positive. She was speaking during a satellite meeting in which people living positively were giving life experiences in the context of right to life. This was at the on-going 11th International Conference on AIDS and STDs in Africa (ICASA) in Lusaka.

"One day I took my son to a clinic where the doctor told me that there was nothing that could be done for the child since he knew my status. "I was very disappointed that my child was denied medication because I thought that since the doctor knew my son's status he could give him the right medication. It was only after I had pleaded with him that he gave my son treatment. "We need support from the community and not to make our life miserable by giving us extra responsibilities," she said. Ms Zulu who was working for Kara Counselling and Training Trust as an out-reach worker, complained that she had her employment terminated when her employers learnt that she had decided to have children.

"In spire of my positive status, I decided to get married and have children. At this time I was working at Kara Counselling. Upon learning that I had decided to have children, Kara Counselling and Training Trust management terminated my employment," Ms Zulu complained, adding: "I feel that my rights had been violated. That is the right to employment, the right to have a family." She added that because of her status she also lost some friends who did not want to associate with her anymore. "I cannot even sell at the market because the community has not accepted me and it is very difficult to work with them to find solutions to HIV/AIDS.

Another HIV positive person, Winson Zulu complained that people living positively had become vulnerable in society. "The responsibility of finding a solution has been left to us, but I feel we are all part of the solution either living positively or not. "I still feel that all people are positive until tested and so we cannot take the responsibility," Mr Zulu who has been living positively since 1990 said.

And the Permanent Human Rights Commission (PHRC) chairperson Lombe Chibesakunda, condemned institutions and individuals violating the rights of people living positively. "There shouldn't be a line between people living positively and non-positive. They all deserve the same treatment. "As a commission we are aware of these continuous violations of rights for positive people," Ms Chibesakunda said. She also took a swipe at some Western countries which curtail the freedom of movement by imposing entry restrictions that require people to undergo HIV tests before they could be allowed to enter the country. She observed that although United Nations (UN) treaties and conventions gave allowances for each country to have domestic laws which should be complied with, some Western countries had come up with laws aimed at curtailing mobility particularly for Africans.

"Beautiful Girls are Fueling AIDS, says Lupunga." By Goodson Machona
The Post, September 16, 1999

Beautiful girls tempt men and as a result fuel the HIV/AIDS scourge, Zambiaıs community development and social services minister Dawson Lupunga has observed. Speaking before pledging K2 million to the newly formed youth non-governmental organisation - Africa Alive - during a musical concert at Lusaka Show Grounds on Tuesday night, Lupunga warned that in the next millennium it will be a crime for any mother to produce a beautiful daughter.

³I want to warn all the mothers. In the next millennium, if you produce beautiful daughters it will be a crime. Produce ugly daughters because as men whatever the eyes see upsets the heart,² said Lupunga to the amazement of the nearly 1,000 revellers that included health ministers from Cuba, Namibia, Swaziland, Lesotho, Tanzania and Zambia. Lupunga said in the next millennium beautiful women should cover their faces so that men donıt see them. Health minister Nkandu Luo told Africa Alive to live up to their objectives of fighting HIV/AIDS through music and other activities. ³This is your first show and we want to see how serious you are,² Luo said. She told the revellers, mostly delegates to the on-going International Conference on STDs and AIDS in Africa (ICASA), to enjoy themselves as the dayıs deliberations had been depressing.

Others who pledged are Mumba Kapumpa K100,000 from the family and K200,00 from the National Arts Council and finance deputy minister Godfrey Simasiku K500,000 from the population in development department in his ministry. The concert, which was organised by Africa Alive with support from UNAIDS and the ICASA organising committed, saw 13 of Zambiaıs top musicians perform. Part of the concert was shown live on the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) television. The same musicians will tomorrow be in Livingstone for a three-day music and cultural festival.

"Girls Won't Get Female Condom."
Times of Zambia, September 16, 1999

TheSociety for Family Health (SFH) is to restrict the marketing of the female condom to adults in long term relationships. SFH HIV component marketing manager Chilufya Mwaba said the female condom would be targeted at the 25 years and above age group while the male condom would be promoted among teenagers. Ms Mwaba pointed out that the female condom which was introduced three years ago, had not been promoted as much as the male condom as it was necessary to first ascertain the type of people to use it. She said a study carried out on the use of the female condom which was introduced on the market three years ago, had indicated that it would be more effective among people in lasting relationships such as marriage.

"The study indicated that the female condom would be much more effective among those in the 25 years and above age group, a similar study which was carried out in Zimbabwe also had similar findings to ours," she said. Now that the study had been completed, it would be fully promoted among the relevant age groups and indications so far were encouraging. Meanwhile, more delegates have continued registering for the on-going XIth International Conference on AIDS and STDs in Africa (Icasa) exceeding the initially expected figure of 5,000.

Briefing the Press in Lusaka yesterday, conference chairman Professor Nkandu Luo said the number of registered and participating delegates had by Tuesday risen to over 6000. Prof Luo, who is Health Minister said more delegates, local and foreign had continued pouring in and the number was expected to rise. Prof Luo also corrected the impression created by the Press that the $3 billion World Bank/International Development Agency (IDA) annual funding to Africa announced by the Bank's vice president for Africa Callisto Madavo in Lusaka on Tuesday was not a grant but a loan which required to be paid back. Prof Luo said people should not expect too much because the loan carried conditions to be met before one accessed it. She said some countries, Zambia included may not benefit if they failed to meet the required conditions attached to the loan. And the United Nations Programme on HIV/Aids (UNAids) says Aids is now the number one killer disease in Africa.

"Ndola AIDS Statistics Shock Residents."
Times of Zambia, September 16, 1999

Some Ndola residents have expressed shock over the disclosure at the on-going International Conference on Aids and STDs in Africa (Icasa) that the town was one of the African cities with the highest HIV/Aids infection. Residents questioned the criteria used by the United Nations Programme on AIDS (UNAids) to arrive at such a conclusion with others suggesting that Ndola doctor, Francis Khama be supported by Government to assist Ndola patients.

Former Zambia United Local Authorities Workers Union (Zulawu) Ndola branch chairman Jones Nawa wondered why Government had deliberately ignored Dr Khama's claims in favour of foreign medicines from South Africa and America, which were being exhibited at Icasa. "If Ndola, shocking as it is, has one of the highest rate of Aids infection, why can't Government give Dr Khama, our own doctor, a chance to prove his claims instead of buying drugs from outside. Is it because he is a Zambian," Mr Nawa questioned. He suggested that Government monitors some Aids patients under the treatment of Dr Khama to prove how effective his drug, K-Punch was.

Another resident, who sought anonymity said the figures were quite alarming and misleading because it was not clear which category of the population, the research was conducted on. "Although I am not denying that we have a problem of Aids in our town, I question the conclusion that Ndola has the highest number of Aids cases in African cities based on a research carried out in only three other cities. It is quite misleading," he said.

It was disclosed at the Icasa meeting that research conducted by UNAids has revealed that Ndola is one of the African cities highly infected with the epidemic. Five of the more than 2,200 American Peace Corps volunteers working on development projects in Africa are attending the Icasa talks inLusaka, reports our correspondent. The volunteers who are community health workers live and work in various provinces in Zambia. According to the WASHINGTON LINE released in Lusaka yesterday the Peace Corps were involved in working with local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and community leaders to find ways to continue educating Zambians about Aids. The volunteers would brief the conference about their experiences as Aids educators. The young American volunteers who hail from communities in Pennsylvania, Nevada, Ohio, Washington and Virginia have agreed to serve for two years in villages and small towns in Zambia.

A total of 110 Peace Corps volunteers currently serve in Zambia where they are only provided with housing while the US government provides daily living expenses for the volunteers. More than 7,000 volunteers now serve in 77 countries working to bring clean water to communities, teach children, protect the environment, help start small businesses and prevent the spread of Aids. And more than 3,000 delegates including researchers and social workers as well as victims of the disease from 25 countries around the world were attending the conference.

The WASHINGTON LINE reports that Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe has been asked to address the gathering to tell how Zimbabwe was battling the disease which had brought devastation to great swaths of East and Southern Africa. The theme of this year's conference is: "Looking into the Future: Setting the Priorities for HIV/Aids in Africa." The WASHINGTON LINE further reports that the Aids epidemic in Africa had taken a high priority in Washington and White House director of national Aids policy Sandra Thurman who visited the continent four times in the past year assessing what the United States could do to help Africa battle the disease.

"Khama Insists K-Punch is the Answer to AIDS." By Sam Kaseba
Times of Zambia, September 16, 1999

Two similarities go with most drugs said to cure Aids: controversy and secrecy. They almost all generate controversyÑdebates dominated by people not versed in science and secondly the formulae are secret. In addition to that there is a definite public lack of patience above which people seem keen to tear down any researcher's 'claim' to cure Aids. But scientists are never talkers. And they work well in silence, with their brains and tongs and not tongues. As direct consequence, scientists may not effectively and convincingly explain their discoveries even with demonstrations. Again, on the other hand, even an above-average layman can not clearly understand scientific jargon.

Only a couple of years ago Professor Mulenga Lukwesa of MLN laboratories' anti-Aids drug, Herbiron-Tinasiferon was shouted down to an extent that the national medical council demanded for his arrest. Professor Lukwesa succeeded in the laboratory and failed the conference room test. Further, Arthur Makunga's Aids-cure drug Zamblina Cell Activator too was dismissed after only a few Press queries and headlines. It has almost followed that to discover the cure for Aids the researcher must be an adept debater who can conquer the media and doubters and discursive sophists.

For instance, can Africans agree that the African potato can "cure everything from the common cold to Aids?" Perhaps not. There was however, an instant embrace by some Zambians when US food and drug commission researchers approved a drug called Abacavor. Or what of the US Atlanta, Georgia AZT drug which is said to reduce infection of mother to child? In fact, this drug has been considered, by XI-International Conference on Aids and STDs in Africa (Icasa) at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka, for cheap mass sales in Africa. But what of the vaccine trials in Sydney, Australia? Somehow, the Aids answer from afar always sounds better and redemptive.

The K-Punch by Ndola's private practitioner Francis Khama is not receiving much acceptance nor expected support. For instance, Dr Khama last Friday at the Lusaka Press Club meeting battled hard to convince the audience that his drug combination called K-Punch can cure Aids. Even at danger of sounding confrontational Dr Khama declared that science has misled the world by saying that Aids virus by itself is harmless. Further, his medicine is targeted at Aids virus. He argued that his drug represses as well as suppresses the Aids virus and in turn boosts the recovery of infected cells. So the K-Punch-repressed "micro-organisms can remain in the body without causing disease" just like when one is cured of malaria or tuberculosis "does not mean that the tuberculosis or malaria microbes are completely destroyed." Similarly "why do we say such a patient is a carrier of a particular micro-organism? Why is it that a positive malaria blood slide does not necessary mean you have malaria?"

And why are certain diseases more common with HIV/Aids unlike others? He answered that: "Since HIV is an intracellular micro-organism and can be cured by repressing the HIV genes. You will lead a normal healthy life with a dormant HIV in your body." He explained that the K-Punch improves both non-specific and specific immune systems therefore restoring and enhancing the defence systems. The specific defence systems are dependent on the lymphocytes (white cells) which are tailored to fight specific micro-organisms, like Aids virus. And not only that the K-Punch is able to stop the latent HIV infection from developing into full blown Aids. On top of that the K-Punch also reverses a full blown Aids to a symptomatic HIV infection. It stops the worsening of cancerous infections related to Aids. As a result of repression or suppression patients are able to lead a normal healthy life with a dormant micro-organism in their bodies. Patients and non-patients carry a number of harmless micro-organisms either outside the cell, on the skin and mucous membrane or inside the cells. But certain individuals genetically born without appropriate receptor are resistant to HIV infection, he said. Although Dr Khama invites people to the "lasting solution to the HIV/Aids pandemic" in K-Punch he is not ready to release his formula. What difference can it make if the formula, for the up to K1.2 million drug, is made public? Whether the drug combination is known or unknown, perhaps in agreement with Pretoria-based South African traditional healer Mercy Nanci, at the same Press club meeting at Taj Pamodzi Hotel, Africa researchers deserve a chance and support.

"Seriousness and Enthusiasm at ICASA - Opinion."
Times of Zambia, September 15, 1999

The seriousness and enthusiasm exhibited by the boffins currently attending the XIth international conference on Aids and STDs in Africa, and the presence of top-level representatives of multilateral institutions and NGOs, underlines the gravity of the crisis at hand. The declaration by African governments of HIV/Aids as a disaster, albeit belated, is an acknowledgement of the magnitude of the problem, and of the overriding need to find solutions to the multiple problems spawned by the Aids pandemic. HIV/Aids represents the single biggest stumbling block to development in Africa, a situation that portends doom for the continent in the new millennium if no tangible steps are taken to mitigate the impact of the disease on development.

The productive workforce is vanishing at an alarming rate because of Aids. Patients have no access to new anti-Aids drugs which have already proved effective in reversing the symptoms of the deadly virus and elongating the lives of infected persons. About 14 million of the 47 million people infected with HIV world-wide are reported to have died since the epidemic broke out in the early 80s. These gory statistics emanating from the Icasa conference are shocking enough to goad everyone into action, particularly the key decision-makers at the political level who make the critical decisions on health budgets.

That military spending still gobbles a disproportionate share of most budgets of African governments, at the expense of such critical sectors as health and education, is a shameful indictment of the reckless manner in which politicians continue to squander resources. African medical scientists, and their counterparts in other disciplines, have become perpetual beggars because their governments pay very little attention to their work which, at best, is treated as something of peripheral interest. It may be undeniable that scarcity of funds is a major problem on the African continent, but it is equally true that wasteful expenditure has continued unabated even in countries which are not at war.

The clarion call from the Icasa conference is loud and clear: There is need for even greater political will and zeal to match the enthusiasm of Aids researchers and other boffins, most of whom are involved in laborious and costly research. Political commitment alone will not see a change for the better by the turn of the century. Governments will have to commit themselves to increased funding of the health sector, for the very survival of the human race depends on a pragmatic response to the Aids epidemic.

For Zambia the decision to host the conference is in itself a demonstration of Government commitment and will to tackle the epidemic with vigour. The announcement yesterday by Health Minister Nkandu Luo that Government will embark on a two-year strategic action plan with emphasis on family values to fight Aids is commendable as it means more resources will be spared for the purpose.

"Ndole in AIDS Shocker."
Times of Zambia, September 15, 1999

Research conducted by the joint United Nations programme on HIV/Aids (UNAids) has revealed that Ndola is one of the African cities highly infected with the epidemic. A study in Cotonou (Benin), Kisumu (Kenya), Yaounde (Cameroun) and Ndola showed the city had the highest HIV prevalence among pregnant women. The women's prevalence in Ndola was 32 per cent. Cotonou, Yaounde and Kisumu accounted for three, eight and 30 per cent respectively. That of men aged between 15 and 49 was 23 per cent in Ndola, three per cent (Cotonou), four per cent (Yaounde), 20 per cent (Kisumu).

Ndola women were younger than their colleagues at first sexual encounter. In Kisumu teenage girls whose husbands were older were more likely to be HIV-infected. The report released in Lusaka yesterday said younger girls were more prone to having sex with older men. The proportion of men having sex with more than one sex worker was high in all the cities. Of the HIV infected sex workers in Cotonou, 64 per cent reported condom use compared with 49 per cent in Yaounde, 50 per cent in Kisumu and only 30 per cent in Ndola.

Syphilis, an STD that causes genital ulcers was by far most prevalent in Ndola with Yaounde following closely. The prevalence of gonorrhea was generally low and variable. "Chamydal infection was more common in younger age, especially girls and the highest prevalence was in Yaounde. HIV prevalence in Kisumu and Ndola among men aged 25 and over ranged from 26 per cent to 40 per cent," the report read in part.

Overall, female HIV prevalence was higher than male prevalence everywhere except in Cotonou. The study found that early sexual initiation for girls and early marriage for both sexes were associated with a higher risk of being infected. "In the East/Central African cities, significantly more girls became sexually active before the age of 15 and people tended to marry at a younger age. The high rates of premarital-acquired HIV help explain why early marriage brought risk rather than protection," the report said.

Reacting to the statistics, Health Minister Nkandu Luo said Government was concerned with the Ndola study and would put HIV mitigating programmes. Professor Luo said there was need for change of attitudes if the problem was to be reduced.

"AIDS Plan on New Course." By Shapi Shacinda and Vincent Zulu
Times of Zambia, September 1, 1999

WEDNESDAY, September 15, 1999 The two-year strategic action plan launched by the Ministry of Health to combat the HIV/Aids epidemic will place greater emphasis on the promotion of strong family values. Health Minister Professor Nkandu Luo said this at a Press briefing at the International Conference on Aids and STDs in Africa (Icasa) in Lusaka. She said this would be in line with traditional African cultural practices. The breakdown in traditional family values had greatly contributed towards the HIV/Aids pandemic now ravaging society. Prof Luo attributed this breakdown to the tendency to regard traditional African values as negative and backwards and instead adopting Western culture.

The Health minister noted that although a lot of traditional African cultural practices had come under attack, there appeared to be no condemnation at the breakdown of family values. She pointed out that although some traditional African practices such as cleansing left a lot to be desired, there were a lot of others that were much more positive and could help in addressing the problems. "What has brought us these problems is the adoption of alien practices and the breakdown of family values, in traditional African culture we never had things like boyfriends and girlfriends or concubines, there was no 'sleeping around,' that is what is alien to us and that is what we should betargeting," she said.

Prof Luo stressed that the strategic action plan which is to be implemented countrywide in conjunction with relevant line ministries, would place greater emphasis on capacity building as well as promoting food security, clinical care among others. The minister said random copying of Western culture had contributed to the rise of the HIV/Aids cases. "Africans never knew what having concubines or girlfriends meant. We need to build on our cultural values," he said. She called for a sense of pan-Africanism to adequately fight the epidemic.

International co-operating partners should also invest in HIV/Aids programmes instead of blaming African leaders for allegedly not committing themselves to the fight against HIV/Aids. Prof Luo said more indigenous resources should however, be mobilised to ensure there were no dictated terms on how to use the money. "HIV/Aids needs a global response and not only political will because it is one problem which affects everyone," she said.

"ICASA Guests Keep Their Hosts Guessing."
Times of Zambia, September 15, 1999

More than 2,000 delegates to the International Conference onAids and STDs in Africa (Icasa) have failed to show up creating panic among scores of private home owners who prepared for their stay. The Icasa accommodation desk has been besieged by anxious home owners, since the conference started last Sunday, demanding to know where their visitors had been taken to. One Ibex Hill resident who had spent millions of Kwacha renovating his house in readiness for six Icasa delegates said he had only received one.

The home owner who declined to be named had been camping since Sunday, along with other owners, at the registration centre at the University of Zambia (Unza) sports hall hoping to capture some of his guests. "I am not in the hotel business and have therefore been forced to rehabilitate my house to meet the required health standards. The Icasa team inspected my home three times before allocating six delegates but I only received one. "So you can see that what I have spent far outweighs what I expected to get in return" he said.

The Icasa accommodation chairman Dapson Mwendafilumba said in a separate interview the situation got worse on Monday morning when angry private home owners attempted to manhandle committee members. He said there were still more than 2000 conference packs and bags lying uncollected at the registration centre situated in the sports hall and indications were that not as many delegates arrived as they were being expected. Mr Mwendafilumba said it was not the committee's fault that hotels, lodges and private homes had not received any delegates. It was for that reason that Mr Mwendafilumba did not ascribe to notions by hotel and lodge owners that the committee had diverted delegates to private homes. "It is not our fault. We sourced the rooms but we have not received that many delegates and the few that have come have their own preferences so they go somewhere else," he said. He cited the campus village which included a number of institutions of higher learning where some delegates declined to stay. Out of the entire campus village, only ZCAS and NIPA were occupied.

"Turn to God or Else, Warn Muslims."
Times of Zambia, September 15, 1999

The Muslim Society in Zambia says all human efforts to seek HIV/Aids epidemic cure will be a mirage for as long as the world does not turn to God. The society has also blamed human rights organisations and activists for the rising immorality in the world. Islamic Propagation Centre (IPC) director Sheikh Shaban Abdul Phiri in an interview said all efforts including international conferences would fail to yield results as they were devoid of Godly principles. He was commenting on the on-going 11th International Conference on Aids and STDs in Africa (XI-Icasa) being held at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka.

And herbalists in Zambia have predicted the discovery early in the next millennium of an indigenous drug that will cure the deadly disease. Traditional Health Practitioners Association of Zambia (THPAZ) research director Stains Ziba said this in an interview at the Icasa in Lusaka. Mr Ziba said THPAZ members were greatly encouraged by Government's all embracing approach where herbalists were given chance to present their findings on HIV/Aids and other STDs. But THPAZ museum director John Mukopa who was assigned the task of counselling said the best way of dealing with the problem was to encourage marriage after HIV/Aids/STDs testing.

"Listen to Us, Cry the Children."
Times of Zambia, September 14, 1999

For the last six weeks, we have been looking at the HIV/Aids crisis facing the youth. Statistics such as those showing that one in every five youth is HIV positive have underscored how badly things really are. We have discussed the situation with several young people and the message we are getting is one of hopelessness. Nearly all agreed that they face a bleak future indeed unless something is done quickly about the Aids epidemic. On Sunday, during the opening ceremony of the Eleventh Icasa Conference, in Lusaka, an eight year old girl called Tsepo Sitali, shared a few words with the all of us on just how devastating HIV/Aids has been to our children. Tsepo's thought's moved everyone who heard them and we thought we should share them with you. Here is what she said:

"My name is Tsepo Sitali. I am eight years old. I turned eight last month on the 15th of August. My best friend Thandi will turn eight next month. "Her father will not be there to help her blow out her birthday candles. Her mother will not be there to help her cut her birthday cake. They both died from Aids last year. "I am sure there are many children all over Africa today, who are celebrating their birthdays without their parents. All because of HIV/Aids. "At a conference such as this one, all sorts of people could take all sorts of attitudes. Some see a chance to make money, some see a chance to be promoted, some a chance of adventure and yet for many, it is a problem of living and dying.

As you talk about the problem of HIV/Aids, think about us, the children. We are trying to reach you, trying to tell you something, to draw your attention to how we feel. But you have stopped listening. Instead, you simply turn off your voice. We too have dreams. Dreams of becoming doctors, teachers and lawyers, Dreams of wanting to grow up some day to be like you. To have our own children, our own families. Dreams to make a difference in this world. We ask you to help us realise these dreams. The name Tsepo in my language means hope. When we do meet again, perhaps soon, I hope you will bring good news that there is hope. Hope for us little children of Africa, so that another Thandi in another part of Africa can celebrate her birthday with her parents. We love you all. God bless you and thank you."

To Your Health, Central Board of Health, P.O. Box 32588, Lusaka.
Health Reforms Now. It's You and Me for Better Health.

"Tasintha Trains 5,000 Sex Workers."
Times of Zambia, September 14, 1999

The Tasintha programme against prostitution has since inception trained more than 5,000 commercial sex workers in alternative ways of generating income in a bid to curb the spread of STDs and HIV/Aids. Programme coordinator Clotilda Phiri said this in Lusaka during a talk organised as part of the 11th International Conference on Aids and STDS in Africa (Icasa) in the showgrounds. Ms Phiri said 245 of the women were now permanently registered there and about 80 to 120 of them regularly attended skills training and awareness programmes.

"However, the task of empowering our target group, the commercial sex workers through practical skills training and awareness campaigns and information dissemination is not yet over," she said. She told local and foreign delegates to the conference that the programme had a training and rehabilitation centre for prostitutes and commercial sex workers whom they intended to rehabilitate.

Tasintha had to date achieved most of its objectives including its ongoing life-saving skills training programmes which were still on at its training centre in Malambo road in Lusaka. Among the accomplishments were workshops on HIV/Aids awareness campaign and safer sex advocacy through the distribution of condoms and HIV/Aids/STD pamphlets and brochures within Lusaka. The programme planned to set up clinics to distribute condoms and teach prostitutes and commercial sex workers awareness of risks involved in cases of violence from men against them at strategic points and night spots. "What we have discovered is that these sex workers are in many instances not even paid for the service they offer to their clients and in the past even the police were against them," she said.

Ms Phiri said the risk awareness programme would be done in conjunction with the Zambia Police Service victim support Unit (VSU) with the ultimate goal of convincing the sex workers to stop the practice.

"Taboos on Sex Talk Out, says Women NGOs."
Times of Zambia, September 14, 1999

Women on-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Zambia have identified early sex education using both orthodox and traditional methods as an affective way of preventing HIV/Aids, STDs and unwanted pregnancies among the youth and children. The NGOs are the Forum for the Advancement of Women Education in Zambia (Faweza) and the Alangizi Traditional Association of Zambia.

Speaking at the Faweza exhibition stand at the showgrounds, Faweza official Margaret Mtonga said taboos attached to sexual education had led to dangerous experimentation with sex among curious young boys and girls. Mrs Mtonga said as the nation prepared for the new millennium, attitudes towards sex education needed to change. "Our organisation is of the view that there should be no more taboos on sex in the next century. Young boys need to be taught at a very tender age the dangers of involving themselves in early and pre-marital sex," she said.

Alangizi Traditional Association of Zambia president Iress Phiri stressed the need for parents to initiate both girls and boys to enlighten them about the dangers of premarital unprotected sex. She said there was need to bridge the gap between traditional practices and HIV/Aids/STDs control methods during the fight against the killer epidemic. Ms Phiri said traditionalists needed not blindfold themselves to the reality of Aids and HIV by promoting dangerous practices such as the old ritual of sexual cleansing in the next millennium.

"We need to teach the children that total abstinence in the ultimate is the prevention of these diseases but we should not hesitate to tell them about condoms as a last resort," the Evelyn Hone College matron said. She said her organisation had started skills training for young school drop-outs and appealed to Government and other donor agencies to fund the newly introduced project.

"High Promiscuity Levels Blamed on Border Clearance Delays."
Times of Zambia, September 14, 1999

Delays in clearance procedures at border posts have been cited as one of the leading causes for promiscuity and high incidences of HIV/Aids and STDs among commercial transport workers like drivers in Zambia. World Vision Zambia manager for the long distance truck drivers project on HIV/Aids prevention and control, Kanyanta Sunkutu, disclosed this at the on-going Icasa in Lusaka yesterday. The World Vision and the Family Health International (FHI) are involved in a joint-sponsored United States and Japanese anti-Aids campaign among commercial transport workers and sex workers in key transit points. Dr Sunkutu said during its four-year campaign, his organisation's efforts would include consulting relevant authorities involved in customs and clearing of goods to ensure minimum delays.

"When truck drivers, for example, spend more time at the border posts trying to get cleared, such delays encourage them to having affairs with commercial sex workers which helped spread HIV/Aids and STDs," he said. Dr Sunkutu said during the initial four years, the project would cover Kasumbalesa, Kapiri Mposhi, Livingstone and Chirundu border posts although there were plans to extend the efforts to Nakonde and Chipata areas. He said the project was based on a medical research done in Tanzania and HIV/Aids data collected along the border towns where figures were found to be very high. He said local people would be identified and engaged as site coordinators who would recruit peer educators to work among the commercial sex workers and their clients.

"ICASA Rooms Yawning."
Times of Zambia, September 14, 1999

Hotels and lodges which had reserved bookings for the International Conference on Aids and STDs in Africa (Icasa) have received few or no delegates at all, it has been learnt. Most of the hotels that closed bookings to other clients for the entire duration of the Icasa conference which opened in Lusaka on Sunday, have failed to manage a 50 per cent occupancy rate.

Owner of Chisamba Lodge Mark O'Donnell said in an interview in Lusaka that he had only received four foreign delegates despite reserving 20 rooms. "This is a big disaster and we have lost millions of Kwacha over this. We have turned away both local and foreign guests because of Icasa," Mr O'Donnell complained. He suspected that most of the delegates had been diverted to private homes, a situation he described as an unfair because hotels had made adequate preparations.

Garden House Hotels Group has also suffered the similar fate with Hillview hotel recording zero occupancy, the 20-roomed Garden House Hotel on Kafue Road had 12 at the time this survey was conducted. Garden House Hotel had 25 guests out of 50 rooms reserved for Icasa guests while Ndeke Hotel only managed 50 per cent occupancy with a focus of empty after the recorded guests check out today.

Hotel and Catering Association of Zambia (HCAZ) chairman Gaudenzio Rossi said there was need to conduct a postmortem on what went wrong with the initial arrangements that were put in place. He described the situation of no guests during the Icasa period as unfortunate which he said was creating a problem in operations. He attributed the mix-up to the decision by the organisers to dissolve the earlier accommodation committee. He said it would be unfair if it is true that delegates were diverted to private homes leaving out big hotels which were paying tax and put in place necessary measures.

But Icasa accommodation committee chairman Dapson Mwendafilumba said in a separate interview many more delegates were yet to come for the conference which ends on Thursday and that the scenario would change. He dismissed reports that some delegates were accommodated in private homes as the secretariat was still receiving more participants.

"HIV/AIDS Mention - Opinion."
Times of Zambia, September 13, 1999

The mere mention of HIV/Aids evokes tears in many people who have been traumatised by the loss of numerous loved onesÑparents, children, close friends, and acquaintances, et cetera. There are very few people who have been spared the agony of watching helplessly as a close family member suffering from HIV/Aids endures the excrutiating pain before their eventual demise. The devastating impact of the Aids pandemic was vividly brought to the fore in a speech delivered at the Icasa conference yesterday by eight-year-old Sepo Sitali who highlighted the plight of an orphaned friend.

The young girl, who moved some members of the audience to tears, spoke not only for her friend but millions of other voiceless children, in Africa and elsewhere, who have been prematurely orphaned by Aids. Although HIV/Aids infections afflict millions of people world wide, the situation has assumed grave proportions in Africa because most countries lack the resources needed to fight back the spread of this deadly virus.

Poverty and Aids have emerged as the twin evils wreaking havoc in Africa and other economically disadvantaged countries where death stalks millions of people, most of whom cannot even afford a decent burial for their relatives. Given this sordid background, it is absolutely necessary that the 11th International Conference on Aids and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (Icasa) should focus on how the continent could be assisted financially to minimise the spread of HIV/Aids infections. We welcome the World Bank's initiative announced yesterday by vice-president Calisto Madavao, which is likely to go a long way in ameliorating suffering among the impoverished communities in Africa.

The frightening mortality rate directly linked to Aids has robbed the African continent of a reservoir of skilled manpower badly needed for development. And if the continent continued to lose manpower at this rate, the productive workforce could be wiped out soon. It is pleasing to note that hope of reversing this tragic trend has not evaporated completely. The Icasa conference now in session in Lusaka, which has been graced by many eminent personalities, underscores the fact that the fight against Aids is indeed gaining momentum.

We wish to echo the sentiments of young Sepo Sitali that many people are looking up to the Icasa conference to rekindle their hopes that all is not lost; that an Aids cure will one day be found. But before the much-sought-after cure is found, all countries need to pool their resources, put an end to all forms of profligacy and invest more in the fight against Aids, for there can be no development as long as life expectancy continues to decline at such a rapid pace.

"Euphoria Grips Icasa 'Indaba."
Times of Zambia, September 13, 1999

The last International Conference on Aids and STDs in Africa (Icasa) this century took off in Lusaka yesterday under euphoric atmosphere and amid declarations to strengthen the fight against HIV/Aids. As pharmaceutical companies took up positions to display their drugs, conference delegates trooped into the Mulungushi International Conference Centre (MICC) to listen to the official opening. The dance troupe made it light for the delegates who watched a variety of traditional dances. Tourism promotions through curios revealed the rich Zambian tradition as impalas which are kept at MICC gave first-time visitors to Zambia a glimpse of the country's wildlife.

Several United Nations agencies were also on hand displaying materials on HIV/Aids, ranging from scientific findings to efforts being made to redress effects of the epidemic. The Ngoni warriors treated international and local guests arriving at the conference hall to the 'bayete nkosi' dance. Life has been made easy for delegates with food being on sale from various outlets that have been set camp at Mulungushi. Almost the entire Zambian Cabinet ministers were on hand for the big gathering with several foreign dignitaries among them Malawian vice-president Justin Mawelezi, South African health minister Manto Tshabalala Masinang, Rwandan health minister Ezakias Rabuhihi.

The Press gallery was packed to capacity with committee rooms equally taking in all the delegates who could not fit into the main conference hall watching the proceedings from the screens of monitors. Several monitors were placed outside the hall to ensure those who wanted an open space did not miss anything.

Eight-year-old Sepo Sitali's poem whose message touched on the need for proper care of the African child who is the victim of the HIV/Aids problem received applause. "A lot of children have no parents yet many people go into adventure as many die of Aids," she said amid ululating and clapping. Accolades were poured on Zambia for hosting the conference and for the warm hospitality. It was Mr Mawalezi who spent his first 16 years in Zambia that kicked off the praises setting the tone for the deliberations which will last until Thursday.

Meanwhile, there was panic and screaming among 100-plus Aero-Zambia passengers, several of whom were Icasa delegates, when the plane from Johannesburg to Lusaka on Saturday, suddenly lost altitude due to heavy turbulence. The plane which left Johannesburg airport at 1500 hours, had just taken off and was gaining altitude when it suddenly lost height and swayed from side to side, as some panic-stricken passengers screamed fearing they were crashing. Some passengers, including a Times staffer, clutched onto to each other in prayer. The pilot, who on take-off had warned of encountering "a little turbulence" due to heavy winds, however regained control of the aircraft and a while later, shaken passengers were asked to relax and enjoy their flight. However, 20 minutes into flying, the plane again swayed sending air-hostesses who were serving lunch falling all over passengers as bottles and cups of water and drinks flew all over. Several passengers who were now obviously worried refused to eat because they were too nervous. It was only after the aircraft touched down at Lusaka International Airport at 17.00 hours, that passengers heaved sighs of relief as several broke into applause. "I feel like going back by ship," commented one Icasa delegate as she collected her baggage.

"Four Fight Spread of AIDS Aming Transporters."
Times of Zambia, September 13, 1999

The United States and Japanese governments and two international organisations have embarked on joint efforts to fight the spread of HIV/Aids among commercial transport workers and prostitutes at key transit points. US ambassador to Zambia, David Dunn, disclosed this in an interview in Lusaka. A collaborative agreement and common agenda had been reached among the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Japanese government in conjunction with Family Health International and World Vision. Mr Dunn said an innovative HIV/Aids intervention programme had been instituted along Zambia's northern and southern borders and plans were underway to spread similar efforts to the eastern border with Malawi.

"This initiative targets commercial transport workers and sex workers at key transit points along commercial transport routes. Utilising peer educators, health interventions will promote behavioral change and reduce HIV/Aids risks among Zambia's commercial north-south trading routes," he said. Meanwhile, the US government is considering to extend its programme of supporting four non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working at district and community levels in Zambia next year. Mr Dunn named the grant-aided organisations supported through USAID as Christian Children's Fund (CCF), Adventist Development Agency, World Vision and Development Aid from People to People (DAPP).

The USAID has supported the development of training modules for community health workers that included an HIV/Aids prevention training an integrated reproductive health training within rural and urban communities. The USAID has also pledged to continue participating in national consensus-building on effective ways of supporting orphans and vulnerable children in Zambia. The US ambassador's self-help fund has made a grant to the Fountain of Hope to enable the NGO build classroom and shelter for street children mostly those orphaned by Aids.

Mr Dunn said UNICEF, the World Bank and USAID were supporting the Zambian Government and the national task force on orphans to document existing knowledge and on-going community-level support for the orphans. A recent assessment of Zambian orphan progammes and activities was coordinated with ministries involved in the task force, the social recovery project and UNICEF. The assessment included active participation by five Zambian multi-disciplinary field teams that visited communities and documented community efforts and concerns.

Meanwhile, AF-Aids, the e-mail discussion forum on Aids in Africa has joined efforts with the Icasa team to provide daily coverage of events. The forum would provide an opportunity to Aids workers and activists in Africa get an insight into what is happening at the conference as well as get input from national and regional network community organisations and others working on HIV and Aids. Daily summaries of conference events which runs from last Friday to Friday were being posted by the AF-Aids/Icasa 99 team of correspondents selected from across Africa. Over 1,500 people and organisations working in and within African nations in response to the epidemic have already joined AF-Aids. Everyday members discuss current HIV/Aids issues and share their experiences about what works and what does not in response to the epidemic as well as news from the region and future events such as conferences and workshop.

"Researchers Counselled." By Enock Ngoma, Shapi Shacinda and Chris Mfula
Times of Zambia, September 11, 1999

President Chiluba has accused African researchers and policy makers of conniving with colonial masters so that only the negative aspects of African culture are exposed. Mr Chiluba made the observation yesterday in a speech read for him by Vice-President Christon Tembo in an official opening address to the 11th International Conference on Aids and STDs in Africa (Icasa) at Lusaka's Mulungushi International Conference Centre.

"You as African researchers and policy makers seem to connive with our colonial masters, who thought little of African culture by presenting to our colleagues in the North only the negative aspects of African culture. You have a duty to the continent. You must search for affordable solutions," Mr Chiluba told the delegates to the conference. He noted that HIV thrived and flourished on poverty and this factor should compel all to re-examine the entire approach to the HIV/Aids development. He said something had gone wrong and there was need to recognise that HIV/Aids and development were inextricably linked. A multi-prolonged approach that attacked and addressed the two elements simultaneously was a critical and key ingredient for success in this battle. He said it was no coincidence that today, the magnitude of HIV/Aids was highest in those countries that had the lowest per capita income, largely in Africa.

"Developing imaginative, novel and bold solutions to the Aids crisis requires genuine dialogue between and among ourselves here in the South. We must develop the necessary scientific confidence to search for solutions. "We must move away from the stereotype approach of continually looking up to the North for answers," he said. It was disheartening that in the last 10 years, very little, if any at all, use of the indigenous knowledge base, had been made. Little or no research had been undertaken to establish the efficacy of the many claims on which desperate people were spending huge amounts of money.

Mr Chiluba said as the conference was opened, it was his earnest hope and prayer that the pressing and urgent issues relating to the HIV/Aids epidemic would be addressed in a candid and open manner so that together, solutions and priorities could be sought for the next century. At the dawn of the new millennium, Africa must emerge on the global arena with not only the resolve to rise above conflicts and civil war, but also start to build upon and strengthen practical approaches to prevent the further spread of HIV/Aids and to mitigate its impact. He said African governments must spare no effort in deploying resources for the fight against HIV/Aids and that was the cornerstone and clear concrete expression of the continent's political will and commitment to fight the epidemic. He said while it was clear that Africa was the most affected of the scourge, so far at best all efforts were fragmented, incoordinated and limited At worst they had been wasteful, untargetted and even harmful to overall cohesion and societal development.

"As we engage in the HIV/Aids discourse and dialogue during this Icasa, let us not forget that HIV/Aids affects real people with names, life histories, families and aspirations like any one of us. "Our conference can only draw legitimacy and credibility if we take cognisance of our collective duty and responsibility to work towards finding sustainable solutions that will result in better and dignified lives of those infected and affected by the epidemic," he said.

The President was hopeful the conference would not be perceived as or degenerate into an academic exercise for scientists and researchers. Health Minister Nkandu Luo urged Africans to fight HIV/Aids with the same vigour they fought slave trade, colonialism and the current efforts directed at debt cancellation. "We should learn from previous crises and fight with a lot of effort. We must do our home work properly. HIV did not come like fever, or any other disease. It decided to come in a complicated way, but we must fight on. The problem should now be tackled from a global perspective. Prof Luo said with focused brains, the problem could be minimised. African heads of government called for enhanced efforts to reduce the gap between resolutions made against HIV/Aids and their implementation. European Union representative Kirsti Lintonen said Aids-related costs would soon absorb half or more of health budgets while illness, absence from work and increased need for social support service would affect the national budgets.

"Pandemic Must be Fought Collectively, says Veep."
Times of Zambia, September 11, 1999

The Aids scourge must be fought collectively as it is claiming a lot of people required for economic development, Vice President Christon Tembo said yesterday. Lieutenant General Tembo said this at a church service to dedicate the International Conference on AIDS and STDs in Africa (Icasa) conference to God at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Lusaka. Gen Tembo said with statistics showing that one out of every five Zambians was HIV positive, it was imperative to fight the epidemic collectively. All Zambian families were affected.

"It is estimated that 700 people worldwide are infected by HIV everyday. About 2.6 million are affected yearly and out of this 1.7 in Africa. We are affected. Some members of my family have died of Aids," Gen Tembo said. He appealed to all countries to tackle the problem with concerted efforts to enter the new millennium on a new sheet. Health Minister Nkandu Luo said she was touched with the church's response to the problem especially that a lot of people had died from the disease.

Christian Council of Zambia (CCZ) secretary general Reverend Violet Sampa-Bredt said the HIV/Aids problem was just one of the human tragedies and therefore should be treated at par with other deadly diseases. She hoped the XIth Icasa talks to be officially opened tomorrow would not be another conference with a lot of documentation. Delegates and scientists must focus on issues that would bring tangible benefits to the people infected. He said Biblical principles demanded that positive living people were assisted and well looked after. A united response and action was required to tackle the problem. Rev Sampa-Bredt challenged pharmaceutical companies to provide cheaper drugs instead of looking for profit margins warning this was a sin which would not go unpunished.

"AIDS: Let's Adopt Practical Approach."
Times of Zambia, September 11, 1999

Health Minister Nkandu Luo has called for a broad and practical approach when dealing with HIV/Aids related problems. Professor Luo also criticised the non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that dealt with specific groups of people affected by the epidemic in isolation. The minister was speaking at the official opening of a two day Community Forum workshop at Hotel Inter-Continental in Lusaka yesterday.

"Some people are misled by reports that the disease is affecting mainly the youth, resulting in them focusing only on programmes targeting the youths. But what we all need to realise is that the youth do not exist in isolation and so, it is everyone's problem," she said. The meeting was held in readiness for the 11th International Conference on AIDS and STDs in Africa (XI Icasa) opening tomorrow in Lusaka. It was time for all the people to be more practical when dealing with HIV/Aids related issues. "Aids is neither a personal, nor family problem but a global one as it has affected all of us. Let us come up with practical alternative action oriented programmes to economically empower people living with the disease world over. No disease can ever be challenged with health education only," she said.

Prof Luo who is Icasa chairperson called on people to change their attitudes and approach towards the disease. She said time to be approaching HIV and Aids individually was long gone because all the people lived in communities affected by the epidemic. Prof Luo said the conference would be of challenges and commitments as the disease affected all the major African businesses which were constantly deprived of manpower. At the same function one Zimbabwean educator and leader of an organisation dealing with people living with HIV/Aids called for more effective means of disseminating information on affordable, available and appropriate methods of preventing progression of the epidemic. Lynde Francis said governments should be using the money spent on buying guns for fighting to buy drugs in all health institutions.

"Zambia Wins US Kudos."
Times of Zambia, September 11, 1999

The 11th International Conference on Aids and STDs in Africa (Icasa) starting in Lusaka on Sunday is a demonstration of Zambia's leadership role in continental affairs, US ambassador to Zambia David Dunn has said. And the five-day Icasa will be graced by a large high-powered US delegation including United States Agency for International Development (USAID) head of Africa bureau Vivian Derryck and principal deputy assistant secretary of state for African bureau Nancy Powell. Speaking in an interview in Lusaka yesterday, Mr Dunn whose government has pumped $524,000 into the conference organisation said the Zambian Government deserved praise and support in its determined efforts to host a function of Icasa's magnitude.

"This is one way Zambia is demonstrating its leadership in Africa. We will support it. Zambia and the Government deserve a pat on the back for this undertaking," he said. The $500,000 channelled through USAID and the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) was for specific purposes like direct sponsorship of Icasa, scholarships, conference communications, accommodation, media orientation and post-conference information dissemination within and outside Zambia. Mr Dunn said the US delegation would include officials based in other foreign missions and government agencies in Africa. Some US participants at the conference were expected to make technical and scientific presentations on the overall US commitment to the fight against Aids/HIV.

"Our contributions will be in presentations. I think we will be showing information and our experiences over several years. The exciting news came out of Uganda on an Aids drug that has shown hope on mother-to-child transmission," said Mr Dunn. He noted that the hosting of Icasa in Zambia would also help boost the country's efforts in creating awareness on Aids/HIV and related issues. "That is one reason we are pleased the conference is being held in Zambia. Prevention and public awareness are the tools that are by far the most important in countries and regions that have been successful in efforts to combat this deadly disease," said Mr Dunn.

He pledged his Government's continued support to Zambia fight against Aids in close partnerships with Government, NGOs and churches through the USAID. In its bilateral cooperation with Zambia, the US has placed particular priority on the health sector. "The health sector is the largest component of our bilateral assistance cooperation. Primary focus is on prevention and awareness," said Mr Dunn.

"More ICASA Delegates Pour In."
Times of Zambia, September 10, 1999

Another batch of 300 delegates attending the X1 th International Conference on Aids and STDs in Africa (Icasa) arrived in Zambia yesterday bringing the total of the arrivals in the past few days to about 700. Icasa data manager Humphrey Sichula said about 300 delegates arrived on Wednesday. An additional number entered the country yesterday using a British Airways flight and another flight.

Mr Sichula however said it was difficult to give the exact number of delegates already in Zambia because of delayed accreditation. Accreditation began yesterday at the University of Zambia (Unza) campus. Meanwhile, delegates travelling to the conference did not expect to encounter any problems with transport and accommodation. Mr Sichula said all was in place and more delegates were expected to come in today.

And South African Airways (SAA) has taken contingent measures to ensure all delegates coming for Icasa were immediately flown to Lusaka from Johannesburg. At least 600 people were expected to arrive today. SAA regional manager (Zambia) Arson Malola said no delegate would be stranded as there would be re-routing of passengers through Harare. The airline brought in more than 150 delegates from Johannesburg on Tuesday. He said a problem was anticipated from people coming in from West Africa as all flights were fully booked but this would be overcome by using larger aircraft.

"We have a double problem as all flights from West Africa are fully booked. So we are using two flights one from Lagos, Nigeria and another from Ghana which also covers Ivory Coast. These will be big aircraft Boeing 747 to carry all the people. "Those that will arrive in Johannesburg will be re-routed on the Harare route where Aero-Zambia or Air Zimbabwe will take them into Lusaka. So there should really not be any problems," he said. Mr Malola assured that the airline would today fly into Lusaka all the 600 delegates. He said the airline was working hard to resolve the anticipated problem next week when delegates would be trying to get out of Lusaka almost at the same time after the conference. "What we have done is to put two 747 aircraft for Friday and Sunday next week to carry the delegates as they leave Lusaka."

Mr Malola said SAA supported the Icasa conference because it was one way of ensuring regional integration was a reality. He said this would help boost regional trade. "The Icasa programmes do not only affect Zambia, they affect Africa and the whole of the world. We support the cause and believe in their objectives because they are for the benefit of the region especially when we are talking about regional integration," Mr Malola said. Icasa coordinator Moses Sichone clarified that no delegates were stranded although problems were expected.

"We could have run into difficulties because all delegates are coming in through Johannesburg and Nairobi. One flight from South Africa is not enough. Hence measures have been worked out to ensure everybody gets into Lusaka," Dr Sichone said in an interview. At least 20 Volvo luxury buses, several minibuses and luxury cars have been organised most of them from Zimbabwe to be ferrying delegates during the conference which would be attended by more than 20 ministers of health, education and foreign affairs from African countries. Several heads of State were also expected to attend the event. Hotel Inter-Continental has organised a promotion dubbed "Icasa Festival Zambiana" tomorrow at 19:30 hours for conference delegates and visitors.

"Scribes Apply for ICASA Slots."
Times of Zambia, September 10, 1999

Accreditation for delegates and journalists who will cover the forthcoming International Conference on Aids and STDs (Icasa) started in Lusaka yesterday. Vice-President Christon Tembo, Health Minister Nkandu Luo and Works and Supply Minister Golden Mandandi visited the accreditation centre at the University of Zambia Great East Road campus sports hall. There was anxiety among delegates when the exercise was slightly delayed but calm dawned shortly after the start as the over 200 people were all attended to by the Icasa officials. Both local and foreign participants were among those who accredited. A separate accreditation desk had been set up for journalists to avoid congestion. Organisers had set up desks for delegates who registered in advance as well as those who wanted to register on the spot to take care of late entrants. The registration centre would remain open until the conference commenced.

"ICASA Delegates Stuck."
Times of Zambia, September 9, 1999

Organisers of the International Conference on Aids and STDs in Africa (Icasa) were yesterday making frantic efforts to charter an aircraft to fly scores of delegates stuck in Johannesburg en-route to Lusaka. Icasa coordinator Moses Sichone confirmed the development yesterday. Dr Sichone said many delegates from West Africa and the United States could not connect to Lusaka as flights were fully booked for the conference which starts at the weekend. The organisers were discussing with South African Airways (SAA) to either use a larger aircraft to carry the delegates to Lusaka or increase flights on the Johannesburg-Lusaka route.

"There is too much traffic into Lusaka and the only routes now are Nairobi and Johannesburg. The flights are full and we are talking to South African Airways to either add to the number of flights or use bigger aircraft like the Boeing 747. South African Airways has already sent an officer to Johannesburg to sort out the problem," he said. He disclosed that 1,500 foreign delegates and 1,000 local participants to the conference had paid $650 and $150 each respectively bringing the total amount raised from participation fees alone to K2.7 billion. "Apart from the ones that have paid we expect at least 1,000 other delegates to arrive without informing us and we have put logistics in place to ensure we cater for everyone who will be coming," he said.

In a separate interview Health Minister Nkandu Luo said the conference would raise Zambia's profile abroad and also bring immense benefits economically apart from raising the HIV/Aids awareness in Zambia. Professor Luo said renowned scientists like Prof Max Essex, Dr Mark Wineberg and Prof Biberfelt Kanki would be among scientists to present papers on vaccines, drugs and the biological aspects of HIV/Aids. Heads of United Nations (UN) agencies will also attend the conference and a team of Japanese parliamentarians. The Commonwealth Development Corporation (CDC), USAID (Washington), the World Bank and the European Union would send representatives as well. The US government would be represented by the White House head of Aids policy.

Prof Luo said the Icasa meeting would provide the best opportunity for the country to redefine its strategies on dealing with HIV/Aids problem which had affected the social-economic sector. "There can never be development no matter how good the policies are if the very people who are supposed to implement them die of Aids," she said. The Health minister said collective action was required in dealing with HIV/Aids. The best way of dealing with the epidemic was to start with rebuilding of family values. She said the tourism sector, transport, hotels catering companies and several others had already started enjoying the benefits of the Icasa conference following the arrival of some delegates.

At least 300 delegates were expected yesterday and all participants would by Sunday be in for the official opening by President Chiluba. She thanked the governments of Japan, United States, Norway, Sweden, France, Ireland, Netherlands, Britain, Canada, Germany for cash and material assistance towards the conference. Others were the World Bank, the Ford Foundation, the Rockefeller Foundation, World Health Organisation, Unicef and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The local institutions were Bank of Zambia (BOZ), Stanbic, Zamcell, Medical Stores, Zambian Breweries Cadbury Schweppes, Telecel among others.

Prof Luo said since a lot of negative reporting had been done by some sections of the media, foreigners would have a chance to judge for themselves what constituted Zambia. Over 339 local and foreign journalists were expected to cover the conference. The Press centre would be operational by tomorrow with 25 computers, fax and telephones lines. News Force of South Africa will bring in equipment for radio and television editing, and transmission to various parts of the world. And the main venue of the conference, the Mulungushi International Conference Centre has been beautified with furniture replaced. By yesterday Phonix Contractors were due to move in to patch potholes, while final touches were being done to the mounted tents.

"ICASA to Gobble UP $4.2 million."
Times of Zambia, September 9, 1999

Over $4.2 million will be spent on the five-day 11th International Conference on Aids and STDs in Africa (Icasa) starting in Lusaka on Sunday. Icasa chairperson, Nkandu Luo, who is also Health minister, disclosed this in live phone-in Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) radio programme presented by veteran broadcaster Frank Mutubila. Professor Luo said $4.2 million was the initial figure earmarked for the preparation of the event but the actual amount could be higher.

The amount included the rehabilitation of conference and lodging facilities at Mulungushi International Conference Centre (MICC) and higher learning institutions in Lusaka. Prof Luo said the conference had received tremendous support from the donor community, governments, United Nations (UN) agencies, international organisations and the local business community. She said an expert conference organiser Young Belfonte was happy with the progress made so far in the preparation for Icasa.

"When I asked him (Belfonte) about the preparations he said 'What do you want me to say? You have done everything.' It gives you encouragement when it is an outsider speaking like that," she said. Prof Luo said Zambia should take advantage of Icasa to sell her tourism and investment potential and correct the wrong impression created about Zambia abroad by selfish individuals. "Zambia has not been sold well abroad. The country has been painted black by Zambians themselves. There is no better time than this to correct the wrong impressions," she said.

Prof Luo also noted that Icasa was also important as it would identify health as a critical sector to economic development. "We have not understood the importance of health in economic development. HIV/Aids have really affected our economic development. To develop we need human resources," she said. And answering a question from a concerned caller on how delegates will be protected from sex-workers, both Prof Luo and her co-guest on the programme Icasa coordinator Dr Moses Sichone said it was entirely a question of personal responsibility. Meanwhile, the Natural Resources Development College (NRDC) has been ruled out of the accommodation arrangements for Icasa delegates.

"Going Public About Your HIV Status." By Mildred Mpundu
Times of Zambia, September 8, 1999

WEDNESDAY, September 8, 1999 Its a story that will touch your life. A tale of an HIV positive man who feels responsible to make others aware of the importance of disclosing one's status. Primary Disclosure, is a 10-minute documentary about Joseph Masaninga who tested positive in 1993. The video attempts to put a face and voice of those infected and affected by HIV/Aids through advocating support from the community. It talks about his work at Lusaka's Chawama clinic where among other activities, he encourages support groups to visit clinics for counselling as a way of reducing the stigma surrounding the epidemic.

The documentary also discusses the importance of disclosing one's status, the consequences of doing so and its effect on the nation. It talks about the community's response to prevention against HIV/Aids, care and support from the community. The views of the community on going public are included in the video. The community's participation in the documentary reveals the levels of acceptance of HIV/Aids. Masaninga's hope is that the video will encourage social support groups among clinical staff and the communities.

"It's my sincere hope that this video and my work shall inspire fellow HIV/Aids infected persons to come out in the open about their status. This will help us gain more support and care from our families, countries and the nation," he said. He intends to release a follow-up video in future entitled Break the Silence on the realities of HIV/Aids. Masaninga is a United Nations Volunteer (UNV) at Chawama clinic. The UNVs are part of the UN Volunteer Support to People Living With HIV and Aids.

"Sex Workers Promised Alternative Income."
Times of Zambia, September 7, 1999

An organisation called the Anti-Casual and Commercial Sex (ACCS) says it will provide alternative source of income to sex workers in Zambia by introducing and supporting self sustaining small scale business ventures. ACCS project manager Everisto Simutowe said yesterday in a statement that the venture was aimed at reducing levels of unemployment by providing micro-funds support in form of material loans to create more jobs. Mr Simutowe said the project would assist in reducing the spread and impact of HIV/Aids, STDs and the number of street kids in Zambia.

The organisation was carrying out educational campaigns for single persons and couples to instil morality in them. ACCS international had embarked on income generating small scale projects that would benefit victims over a long period without depending on donors all the time. Mr Simutowe said the self confessed sex workers would enjoy free market stands at any market place of their choice, free residential accommodation of no more than K50,000 for the first six months, free interest on market mechandise loans and special bonus for hard workers and committed ones. He said free sponsorship, including competition gear for recreation activities and education scholarships for scheme participants who completely refrained from alcohol, smoking, prostitution and drug abuse would also be enjoyed.

ACCS international has its headquarters in Mazabuka and intends to move to Lusaka. THE Zambia Integrated Health Project (ZIHP) is working towards improving the health standards in 11 districts with emphasis on reproductive health. ZIHP chief of project in the communication and community partnership section Elizabeth Serlemitsos said the project was focussing on the prevention of HIV/Aids, malaria treatment and had supported the recent Vitamin 'A' immunisation exercise in Zambia. She said some public health and neighbourhood health workers were under going training on counselling because they dealt with the community directly in the health sector.

"The project is only one in the districts where the Central Board of Health (CBH) has asked us to be. It is a grassroot community empowerment project which looks at making the people solve their own problems," she said. Mrs Serlemitsos said the project was funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and aimed at helping the community get connected to funded projects taking place in rural areas by other organisations. She said there was a programme under ZIHP under which new mothers were educated on breast feeding, immunisation and all that the baby might require called "welcome new babies'. Mrs Serlemitsos said other projects were focused on youth in the reproductive health sector. She added that ZIHP has improved the chloroquine dosage for the treatment of malaria.

"ICASA Delegates Arrive."
Times of Zambia, September 7, 1999

Over 100 delegates to the X1th International Conference on Aids and STDs in Africa (Icasa) have arrived in the country and are already attending the pre-conferences that started yesterday. The UN-Aids delegation arrived on Friday and their advisory workshop on human resource development and strategic planning process started yesterday and would go on up to Saturday. Icasa organising committee member Dr George Tembo confirmed the arrival of the delegates. Dr Tembo said many other delegates started arriving in Zambia on Friday and were coming in with equipment. Dr Tembo, an epidemiologist is among the Zambian scientist who would present the paper on "the face of HIV/Aids epidemic in Africa" on September 13. And Network for Zambian People Living With HIV/Aids (NZP+) coordinator Winston Zulu said about 300 people living with HIV/Aids worldwide have confirmed their coming to the conference. Mr Zulu said the representation at the Icasa was encouraging because many people were HIV positive and they wanted what was good for HIV/Aids people. He said the village for NZP+ will focus on the needs of people living with HIV/Aids.

"We have been given a chance to organise ourselves and this chance has come at this conference. Issues like treatment, medication and human rights are typical problems affecting people living with HIV/Aids and that is what we hope to look at," Mr Zulu said. He said the conference also gave Zambians a chance to receive the best awareness there ever was. Meanwhile, renovations at Mulungushi International Conference Centre (MICC) have reached an advanced stages with final touches being made to it to look attractive. Exhibition coordinator Lauraann Grobler from a Zimbabwean company, Rrooneys, who were working on the tents and exhibition stands said they only required the next four days and the place would look totally different. Mrs Grobler said her organisation was an international firm and they were working as per requirements that were asked by the Icasa committee. Satellite programmes began yesterday and they would continue until Sunday.

"ICASA Delegates Security Assured."
Times of Zambia, September 6, 1999

Police have intensified security in Lusaka and other towns to ensure safety for dignitaries attending the X1th International Conference on Aids and STDs in Africa (Icasa) set for September 12. Police spokesman Alex Chilufya said security measures in all quarters were in place to safe guard the delegates attending the conference. Mr Chilufya said security was key to the coming conference, but refused to disclose measures that had been taken, saying the public should just be aware that major measures have been put in place. He said the conference was of national importance because it was dealing with very serious issues, therefore, police could not lag behind but insure that safety was first to delegates. "This is one of the most important conferences that will be hosted in Zambia, apart from the Non-Aligned conference some years back," Mr Chilufya said.

In another development, Zambia Integrated Health Programme (ZIHP) head of communication and community partnership, Elizabeth Serlemitsos says people should implement the message they will gain from the Icasa conference. Mrs Serlemitsos said HIV/Aids was a social and personal problem which needed attention. Mrs Serlemitsos commended journalists on their coverage of the Icasa conference. And Telecel Zambia has said they will support the coming conference by providing rental phones to the delegates. Telecel commercial director Clive Shamwana said Icasa conference was of great significance. Mr Shamwana said the mobile phones will be on rental at reasonable charges to ease communications for delegates.

"ICASA: Eight Days to Go." By Mildred Mpundu"
Times of Zambia, September 4, 1999

International focus will soon be on Zambia where the momentous 11th International Conference on Aids and STDs in Africa (Icasa) takes centre-stage in eight days time. With a renovation bill of over K700m on the various conference venues, preparations have reached an advanced stage. The village at the showgrounds is near perfection too. Shipments of exhibits have already arrived in the country. Five thousand conference bags have arrived while the badges are almost ready. An abstract book which contains oral and poster presentation is out. Dr Simon Mphuka, Icasa spokesperson says apart from minor final touches that are to be done, all is ready. Applications to rent out private homes have been closed as there is more than enough. Hotels and higher institutions of learning such as NIPA, Evelyn Hone College, Lusaka Trades Training Institute and the University of Zambia (Unza) have been renovated to the required standard of hosting international delegates. Payments towards accommodation are now being made. Water and sanitary systems have been worked on.

Three thousand (3,000) people of which 1, 600 are local participants and 1400 international delegates have registered for the conference. Twenty luxury buses to be supplemented by 36 seater mini-buses and smaller vehicles have been hired to shuttle delegates between conference venues. Dr Mphuka says that the Ministry of Home Affairs has ensured that the security process of image building is in place. Home Affairs Minister, Peter Machungwa could not discuss details of security measures put in place for the conference period. He says, however, that police and other security agencies would be involved and that his ministry was included on the Cabinet Committee. The committee was set up in addition to the inter-ministerial organising committee being chaired by Health Minister Nkandu Luo. The conference theme "Looking into the future: Setting priorities for HIV/Aids in Africa" will be an important aspect of all sessions.

Conference participants are expected to dialogue and share experiences on the HIV/Aids epidemic as well as STDs. The five tracks will lead to participants to discuss the major lessons learnt and how this will inform future policies, strategies and interventions. Specific tracks to be discussed are on HIV/Aids/STDs and the community, HIV/Aids/STDs and Socio-economic Consequences, Determinants of Spread of HIV and STDs and prevention Interventions, Care and Social support and Basic Science and Clinical care. Plenary sessions will be held everyday in the morning. There will also be Oral Abstract sessions, Poster sessions, round table discussions and track symposia. Skills building workshops and satellite meetings will be held at different places during different times afford an opportunity to those who will not be at the conference site. The workshops goal is to enable participants acquire skills which they will use in their communities and to be able to train others in the same skills. The village programme which will be held in the showgrounds will focus on women, youth, PLWHA and NGO's. These will exchange experiences and exhibit their products.

A daily bulletin highlighting the events of the previous day will be produced. Icasa media coordinator, Mike Daka said this will be written by journalists and printed by the Zambia Daily Mail. A media centre that will include telephones, e-mail, scanning, radio and TV editing will be operational during the conference. There will be an Icasa reception service available at the airport and a special bus service to take participants to the University of Zambia sports hall for registration, facilitation for accommodation and receipt of badges and conference bags. Now that all is set and everyone looks forward to the conference, Dr Mphuka appealed to Zambians to take caution and treat visitors well.

"ICASA in K80 Million Fillip."
Times of Zambia, September 4, 1999

The X1th International Conference on Aids and STDs in Africa (Icasa) has received about K80 million (25 000 Irish Pounds) from the Irish government to enable it cater for some of its administrative costs. Irish acting charge d'affaires Kevin Carroll said in Lusaka yesterday that the Irish government was concerned about the HIV/Aids problem, hence the support to the programme. Mr Carroll said Ireland would send delegates to the conference. Meanwhile, the Permanent Human Rights Commission (PHRC) has announced that it will hold a satellite meeting on HIV/Aids during the four-day Icasa conference. PHRC spokesman Lavu Mulimba said the satellite meetings being organised by the economic, social and cultural committee of the Commission were set for September 14, in the showgrounds.

"Since everyone has a right to life, the main objective is to identify the economic, social and culture rights of people living with HIV/Aids that are violated and to establish how such rights can be promoted by the Commission, the Government and society in general," Commissioner Mulimba said. The theme of the satellite meeting is, "looking into the future: setting priorities for HIV/Aids in regard to the right to life and human dignity." Commissioner Mulimba said Dr Barn Pityana, who is chairman of the South African human rights commission was expected to deliver the keynote address while other speakers would talk from the health and gender perspective. He said people living with HIV/Aids would discuss their experiences on how their rights had been violated. "Through them we hope to have an insight of the type of problems such people face. Human rights for all means rights even for people living with HIV/Aids. This is why the satellite meeting would be open to all Icasa delegates who may wish to participate," Commissioner Mulimba said.

And Icasa deputy coordinator Simon Mphuka has said about ten heads of state were expected to attend the conference, he was speaking on Thursday evening at the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC). Dr Mphuka also said 98 per cent of the main speakers to the conference had confirmed their coming while those that were not sure had been replaced. He said delegates have started arriving as there was going to be a pre-conference that begins on Monday. He said people that might fail to attend the conference should not worry because there would be a news bulletin to be called the Millennium.

"ICASA Adopts English, French."
Times of Zambia, September 3, 1999

English and French are the two official languages to be used at the forthcoming 11th international conference on Aids and STDs in Africa (Icasa) set for September 12. According to the programme released in Lusaka, there would be simultaneous translation from English to French and vice-visa. The conference has two main venues, the Mulungushi International Conference Centre (MICC) and the show grounds, all located along the Great East road.

The programme further states that satellite venues for pre-conference and satellite meetings were located within the various hotels, lodges and public and private institutions around Lusaka. "There is a shuttle bus system to and from the main venues and satellite venues," reads the programme in part. The programme also indicated that the main conference venues would offer on-site facilities for banking, international mail and telecommunication. Meanwhile, the Icasa programme structure has been made up of four main events, the scientific programme, the village programme, the community forum and the cultural programme.

At the MICC, the scientific programme has been organised along five distinct tracks covering a wide range of HIV/Aids related issues. "As we enter into the new millennium, the element of looking into the future and setting priorities for HIV/Aids in Africa has been interwoven through out all the tracks," the programme reads. Five scientific programme tracks were expected to take place at MICC. These include HIV/Aids/STDs and the community, HIV/Aids and social-economic consequences, determinants of the spread of HIV and STDs and prevention interventions, care and support as well as basic sciences clinical care.

"Traditional Healers to Exhibit at ICASA ."
Times of Zambia, September 2, 1999

The Traditional Healers Practitioners Association of Zambia (THPAZ) has mobilised its members to exhibit herbs under the village programme during the 11th International Conference on Aids and STDs in Africa (IX Icasa). In a related development, THPAZ yesterday warned traditional healers that they risked prosecution for advertising themselves against the Medical and Allied Professionals Act Cap 544 of the laws of Zambia. THPAZ president Rodwell Vongo said in Lusaka yesterday that the Zambian healers would exhibit the herbs together with Senegalese participants also registered for the conference.

The traditional healers' exhibition would be held in the show grounds at the PTA village which would jointly host the IX Icasa with Lusaka's Mulungushi International Conference Centre (MICC). "Dr" Vongo said some Zambian traditional healers had made a number of trials on the treatment of diseases such as tuberculosis (TB) using herbs which did not have a lot of side effects. The IX Icasa organising committee originally requested THPAZ to mobilise 20 of its members for the exhibition but the number had since been reduced. "Some of our colleagues know the herbs promising a cure for diseases such as TB but what we do not want is the obtaining sad situation where healers are advertising themselves," he said. He said several people were likely to turn to traditional healers for help with the rise in the number of HIV/Aids cases and warned that herbalists that they would tarnish their image if they went for the money.

"It is highly unprofessional as it is unethical for medical doctors and traditional healers to advertise themselves," said "Dr" Vongo who is on the Central Board of Health (CBoH). Healers needed to be truthful and willing to admit that they could not cure some diseases instead of holding on to the patients without advising them to try medical hospitals when herbs failed. Medical doctors similarly needed to refer their patients to traditional herbalists when they realised that their treatment had failed. He advised patients to go through THPAZ which would advise them which healers had made successful trials on the various diseases instead of letting quacks experiment on them like guinea pigs.

Anthropologist Margrethe Pallesen attached to THPAZ by Danish Volunteers MS Zambia said she had collected data from about 250 of the 40,000 healers in Zambia since last year. Ms Pallesen said she had documented thousands of traditional medicines for about 140 diseases which the healers said they were able to cure and prove their claims.

Meanwhile accommodation for delegates attending the Icasa has been finalised, Icasa registration and accommodation officer Fumpa Chipepo said in Lusaka yesterday. Ms Chipepo said the committee had secured enough rooms for all the foreign delegates. She said the response from delegates towards remitting deposit to their confirmation on rooms were overwhelming. "We have been very impressed with the manner in which the delegates have responded to deposit their money towards accommodation," Ms Chipepo said. Travel arrangements have been made for delegates to be ferried from the hotels to Mulungushi International Conference Centre. The Icasa committee has booked almost all places within Lusaka, including Safari Lodge in Chisamba and Chamenuka. She however said the committee was ready to take up more rooms from leading hotels like Pamodzi, Hotel Inter-Continental and Holiday Inn. And Icasa exhibiting liaison officer Harriet Kapilikisha yesterday gave the would be exhibitors some business tips on how to carry themselves during the Icasa. Ms Kapilikisha said information was vital for the sustainability of the products that would be sold. She said it was time the business community found business partners for them to breakthrough in the Southern region market. The participants at the Icasa workshop however expressed concern on the currency they were expected to use. But Ms Kapilikisha advised them to use the United States dollar and the Zambian Kwacha.

"ICASA - Opinion."
Times of Zambia, September 1, 1999

The 11th International Conference on Aids and Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Africa (Icasa) set for Lusaka this month is of tremendous importance for all Zambians and all Africans, all humanity. Vital deliberations, and possibly major announcements, will course through the five-day event set for September 12 to 16 and the global scientific fraternity will focus keenly on our capital.

The Government has been sensibly meticulous about seeing to it that every thread is available and in the right place towards the event, with some of the preparations giving the wrong impression that the event is a major festival. There has been pronounced emphasis on the scale and magnitude of the event by the coordinating committee and its sub-committees; how it is that there will be an immensity of tourist traffic; how the whole range of Zambian business is already perched, ready, willing and able to pounce on foreign spenders; and how entertainment houses (the notorious disco joints inclusive!!) are sharpening their wiles for a deluge of partying delegates.

Many onlookers have been made to understand that the massive renovations taking place at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre and the University of Zambia will for years to come benefit those facilities and users to come. Many others have been made to understand that local artists of various categories will have broken into new markets or won a contract or two on having excelled in the extra-curricular activities on display every Icasa day and night. Yet many more have realised that the occasion will stand for big profits for the right businesses stationed in the right place, and big journalism for those local reporters who will mingle with the 350 international scribes and photographers anticipated. It has all the makings of a mega-party, a marathon feast, something like the global carnival that Harry Belafonte sang about years back.

What Zambians and other nationals in Africa especially want to know is this. Will Icasa announce a cure or cures for Aids? Will it unveil new breakthroughs in HIV research? It is well-known that the world of science is very far from an Aids cure. We think Dr Moses Sichone should regroup his troops and work on the tone and vision of their sensitisation activities. They are medical professionals, no question about that, but they should ensure that the focus is on the dangers to humanity that HIV/Aids poses and divert Icasa from the intense celebration and celebrity spirit that the commercial profit seekers would like it to assume.

"Eleven Pharmaceutical Firms to Exhibit at ICASA."
The Post, September 1, 1999

Eleven international manufacturers of pharmaceutical and biological supplies and products have confirmed their participation to exhibit at the International Conference on Aids and STDs in Africa (Icasa). Icasa exhibition liaison officer Harriet Kapilikisha confirmed the participation of the 11 international companies and three local companies.Ms Kapilikisha said of the 11 companies that were exhibiting, only three were African. "We have three companies from France, while Netherlands, Switzerland, Norway, London and Los Angeles have a company each. South Africa, Kenya and Zimbabwe are the African countries that have confirmed their participation," Ms Kapilikisha said. She mentioned Juandi Investments, Medical Stores and MacMed as the Zambia companies that were expected to exhibit at the Icasa.

Ms Kapilikisha said the importance of the exhibition was that it complemented the scientific programmes on latest development relevant to prevention and management of Aids. "We are trying to set priorities for Africa. Aids tools are very expensive therefore we need to see what could be agreed upon and the latest that has been found in an effort to fight the disease," she said. She said the conference would also help the promotion of various items by exhibitors. Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) will also be provided with facilities for putting up their display booths at the NGO village.

"Involve Men in Family Planning Urges Mulanda."
Times of Zambia, September 1, 1999

Copperbelt Minister Mathew Mulanda has appealed to countries in sub Saharan Africa to actively involve men in family planning programmes. Mr Mulanda made the appeal through Copperbelt Permanent Secretary Arthur Yoyo when he opened the Africa sub regional workshop on male participation in community based reproductive health programme at Savoy Hotel in Ndola yesterday. The seminar attracted participants from Swaziland, Tanzania, Ghana, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda and Zambia.

He said for a long time, family planning had been left to women alone to reduce the high fertility rates leaving out the men which was not supposed to be the case. There was need for men to be taken on board in sexual and reproductive health as their sexual life tended to be longer than that of women, often starting earlier and involving more partners. The neglect of men could be seen as the major impediment to the success of family planning in sub-Saharan Africa. With the emergence of HIV/Aids it had become apparent that male sexuality and the female reproductive health could not be addressed separately.

In Zambia like most parts of Africa, men were perceived to be decision makers in most homes even in matters that mostly affected women health. Men appeared to be poorly informed regarding sexuality and reproduction and they often shunned responsibility for use of family planning, particularly modern methods on the grounds that it was not their concern. Zambia had through the Ministry of Health put in place a national family planning reproductive health policy to address the issues and had mandated non governmental organisations (NGOs) like the Planned Parenthood Association of Zambia to spearhead some strategies. There was need to come up with a report to bring about male involvement and build positive male attitudes towards reproductive health. PPAZ national chairman Alfred Masupha thanked participants from other countries for attending the workshop.

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