State keen to end diseases in prisons

WE are committed to fighting diseases in prisons countrywide, says Home Affairs Deputy Permanent Secretary Willis Manjimela. Speaking when the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) donated sanitary items aimed at improving hygiene in prisons worth US$30,000 at Lusaka Central Prison on Monday, Mr Manjimela said prevention of disease outbreaks in prisons was important.

Mr Manjmela said the government remains indebted to UNODC for supplementing its efforts in disease prevention in prisons.He said organisations such as the UNODC were helping in reducing challenges the Zambia Correctional Service (ZCS) was facing in providing excellent correctional services.

And ZCS acting Commissioner General, Royd Chilundika said he would ensure that the presented items reached their intended recipients. He said the ZCS has been working with the UNODC for over 10 years. Mr Chilundika said the gesture was part of preparations for the commemoration of Mandela Day on July 18.

Meanwhile UNODC National Coordinator, Sharon Nyambe said the organisation was sensitising officers in the ZCS and prisoners on the Mandela rule which advocates for humane custody of inmates.

Ms Nyambe said UNODC, as custodians of the Mandela rule, decided to donate the items that would improve hygiene in prisons. She said the donation was part of the activities the UNODC was carrying out ahead of the Mandela Day.