Zambia-China donates to flying doctors to boost cholera fight

THE Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) has received a shot in the arm following the donation of 1, 000 cases of Chlorine and other assorted materials to fight cholera from the Chinese Business Sector on the Copperbelt.

Zambia-Chinese (ZCA) Copperbelt Chapter President Xin Wang said the Chinese community will maintain its steadfast desire to ensure that cholera was fought fiercely with all the available resources both human and financial because the task to fight and stop the epidemic calls for collective responsibility from various stakeholders.

Mr Xin said the Zambia Chinese Association was committed to helping the government in stopping the spread of the epidemic and mitigating its effects by joining efforts with both government and various stakeholders like the ZFDS.

Mr Xin, who is also Zambia Chinese Association (ZCA) National Vice President, was speaking when the Chinese business sector donated assorted materials worth K103, 000 to assist the Zambia Flying Doctor Service to fight cholera in the rural areas.

The materials included 1, 000 cases of chlorine, 100 pairs of gumboots, 200 pairs of industrial gloves, 100 numbers of safety goggles, 45 numbers of reflective vests, and 20 numbers of overcoats.

“The association is greatly concerned with the outbreak of cholera and the increasing number of confirmed cases and deaths. We feel pity that the epidemic has so far claimed more than 300 lives since October 2023, and most of the patients come from the rural areas, while about 52 percent of the patients belong to the Children under 15 years old.”

"We are humbly donating the assorted materials worth one hundred and three thousand Kwacha to assist the Zambia Flying Doctor Service to fight the cholera in the rural areas. This includes 1, 000 cases of chlorine, 100 pairs of gumboots, 200 pairs of industrial gloves, 100 numbers of safety goggles, 45 numbers of reflective vests, and 20 numbers of overcoats,'' Mr Xin said.

And ZFDS Chief Executive Officer George Ng'uni said the service was grateful to the Chinese Business Sector for the donation which will go a long way contributing towards the fight and prevention of cholera in the rural areas.

Dr Ng'uni said his organisation will continue build strong relationship with the Chinese Business Sector and other stakeholders in promoting quality health care in various parts of the country.

He said in Ndola that the service was also strengthening partnerships for improved health service delivery like Blood bank, NHIMA for rural registration, ZAMMSA for delivery of medicines and medical supplies.