MPIKA District Commissioner David Siame has expressed concern over the increased cases of Diarrhoea diseases the district recorded in the last quarter of 2024.
Mr Siame says in the last quarter of 2024, the district recorded 3,297 cases adding that in the 3rd quarter of the same year the district recorded 2,395 cases.
ZANIS reports that he was speaking when he officially opened the First Quarter Epidemic Preparedness meeting held at Mpika Town Council Chamber on Wednesday.
The District Commissioner has attributed the increase of diarrhea diseases in the district to unsafe sources of drinking water.
Mr Siame also notes that lack of adherence to hygiene measures by those selling food stuffs, and careless disposal of waste in the community has contributed.
Mr Siame called for strengthened communication strategies in order to create awareness among the public on the nature of diseases and put preventive measures.
The District Commissioner has since urged for renewed commitment and strengthened collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure effective epidemic management in the district.
Mr Siame said the fight against the epidemic is a continuous effort that demands vigilance and unwavering support from all stakeholders.
“Effective management of the epidemic requires collaborative effort by all stakeholders,” he said.
And speaking at the same meeting, Mpika District Health Surveillance Officer Virginia Maposa called for robust surveillance systems that can quickly help to identify outbreaks and mobilise swift response.
Mrs Maposa also appealed to Mpika Town Council to quickly deal with all businesses around the city that are not adhering to the set provisions and are now posing health risks to citizens.
She said enhancement of waste management to reduce accumulation of waste especially in high risk areas such as markets and bus stations must be a priority.
“All things being equal, we do not expect to have an increase of diarrhea disease this year,” she said.
Meanwhile, Mpika District Administrative Officer Charity Chirwa said that collaborative efforts will significantly enhance public health and respond to any epidemic that may occur in the district.
“We need to conduct more mass sensitisations in most affected communities,” she said.
