VACCINE TRIALS OKAYED

…State gets backing over covid-19 drug

This follows protests over the approval of clinical trials of Ivermectin by the Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA).

Stakeholders had questioned why a vaccine meant for livestock should be administered on humans.

Dr Banda said Ivermectin was safe and inexpensive drug which has been used both in Zambia and globally as an antiparasitic drug for years.

He said people use the drug to get rid of lice and intestinal worms.

“Ivermectin has been available and used in Zambia for many years,” he said.

Dr Banda said Ivermectin was sold in drugstores as a prescription only medicine.

“At the last check a 20mg tablet was going for K50,” he said.

Dr Banda said the drug was awarded the Nobel Prize a few years ago for its safety and efficacy in addressing parasitic diseases globally.

He said both for prevention and treatment of Covid-19, the efficacy of Ivermectin was nearly 100 percent.

Dr Banda said solutions to challenges do not always have to come from the West.

“Wherever God has placed man, He has also placed all things that he needs for his survival, wellbeing and prosperity. As an advocate of truth,” he said.

Dr Banda said local research must never be frowned upon but should be encouraged.

He however said ZAMRA needs to thoroughly sensitize the public about the wellintentioned ambitions to secure the health of citizens.

GOLD mining in Rufunsa should be well coordinated if real benefits to Zambians are to be realised, Rufunsa constituency PF aspiring candidate Bartholomew Kalambalala has said.

Mr Kalabalala said that Rufunsa has the potential to contribute to the growth of the economy but the manner mining was being conducted was not conducive.

He said that the mining was not being controlled hence there was no record for whoever was conducting activities.

Mr Kalabalala advised the Ministry of Mine to conduct regular inspections of the mining areas in the district to ascertain who was conducting mining. Meanwhile, the aspiring PF candidate stated that Rufunsa was vast and needed someone who was familiar with the constituency.

He explained that he has gained vast experience since the time he became the district Council chairperson, hence he will suit very well once elected as Member of Parliament (MP).

“I relate very well with local people. We are leaders that need to lead the PF developmental programmes. People can only listen to someone they respect that much.

Rufunsa has the potential to contribute to the growth of the economy but the manner mining was being conducted was not conducive.

— Mr Kalabalala