STORY: Zambia strives to eliminate malaria with China's help, says health official
SHOOTING TIME: April 24, 2024
DATELINE: April 25, 2024
LENGTH: 00:01:39
LOCATION: Lusaka
CATEGORY: HEALTH

SHOTLIST:
1. various of Zambia's National Malaria Elimination Center
2. various of lab
3. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): SAMPA CHITAMBALA-OTIONO, Acting director of Zambia's National Malaria Elimination Center
4. various of lab
5. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): SAMPA CHITAMBALA-OTIONO, Acting director of Zambia's National Malaria Elimination Center
6. various of lab
7. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): SAMPA CHITAMBALA-OTIONO, Acting director of Zambia's National Malaria Elimination Center
8. various of lab

STORYLINE:

Zambia is eager to draw lessons from China's successful efforts in malaria elimination to accelerate its own pace, a government official said on Wednesday.

Sampa Chitambala-Otiono, the acting director of the National Malaria Elimination Center, emphasized the importance of learning from China's experience as Zambia strives to eliminate malaria by 2030.

SOUNDBITE 1 (English): SAMPA CHITAMBALA-OTIONO, Acting director of Zambia's National Malaria Elimination Center
"The situation in China might be different, but I'm sure there are one or two things which we can learn which can fasten the pace at which we are going in eliminating malaria."

The official expressed gratitude to China for its support to the malaria fight over the years, saying China has provided enough support such as provision of vehicles to the malaria program, donation of laboratory equipment as well as conducting training programs.

SOUNDBITE 2 (English): SAMPA CHITAMBALA-OTIONO, Acting director of Zambia's National Malaria Elimination Center
"Most people refer to China as an all-weather friend of Zambia, has done a lot in many sectors and malaria is no exception. As a malaria program of the Ministry of Health, we appreciate many partners that have done a lot for Zambia."

According to her, malaria remains a significant public health concern in the country, accounting for 30 percent of the disease burden, despite the interventions that have been implemented.

Zambia aims to begin using malaria vaccines next year, she said, adding that the country will need to analyze the vaccine's efficacy and side effects before administering it to the people.

She attributed the high malaria burden in the country to various factors, including the climate, which creates a conducive environment for mosquito breeding, as well as issues such as poor adherence to interventions like consistent use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets. Additionally, long distances to health centers and the lack of local production of drugs were cited as contributing factors.

She said that pregnant women and children under the age of five years are the most vulnerable to malaria. The government is ensuring that these two groups receive priority in terms of services to combat malaria.

SOUNDBITE 3 (English): SAMPA CHITAMBALA-OTIONO, Acting director of Zambia's National Malaria Elimination Center
"You find that there are some people who are in very remote areas of Zambia, far-to-reach areas where the nearest health center is very far. So we try bringing equity by taking services closer to them."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Lusaka.
(XHTV)