The second phase of the Zambia Demographic Health survey has commenced in Lusaka on selected households that were randomly sampled from the cluster of the Zambian population.

Zambia Statistical Agency (ZAMSTAT) Deputy Regional Statistician Justine Hambamba, however, says the actual survey exercise has not yet started, but only the second phase that involves 20 households in Lusaka Province will be sampled.

ZANIS reports that Mr. Hambamba was speaking when he led a team of research officers from ZAMSTAT to pay a courtesy call on Lusaka District Commissioner Rosa Zulu.

“The survey targets women and girls in the reproductive age group between 15 to 49 years and men and boys in the reproductive age group between 15 to 59 years, where data on health, nutrition, population, under five and so on, will be captured,” he explained.

He further indicated that among the health samples that will be collected include anemia, measles, and HIV.

“Those that will consent to be tested for HIV will have their results shared and referred to a health facility for further management,” Mr. Hambamba said.

Meanwhile, Lusaka District Commissioner Rosa Zulu, has called on Lusaka residents to allow officers from the Zambia Statistical Agency (ZAMSTAT) to conduct the second phase of the Zambia Demographic Health Survey in Lusaka and the rest of the country.

Ms. Zulu says people should not be misinformed that the officers are Satanists.   

” I am warning members of the community that may want to take advantage of the survey exercise by disguising themselves as ZAMSTAT officers and terrorizing homes of the innocent citizens that the law will not be lenient on whoever will be found wanting,” the District Commissioner warned.

She also cautioned the public to look out for official ZAMSTAT identification cards from the officers and not to allow anyone without proper identification to visit their homes.