Zambia Sugar Plc has donated assorted medical care goods worth K1.6 million to the Mazabuka District Health Board to fight the Cholera outbreak in the District.

Zambia Sugar’s Medical Services Manager, Dr. Charles Machila, speaking on behalf of Managing Director, Oswald Magwenzi made the donation to the Minister of Local Government Housing and Rural Development and Mazabuka Member of Parliament, Gary Nkombo, who received the donation on behalf of the District Health Board.

This latest donation worth K1.6 million now brings Zambia Sugar’s total support to the current cholera outbreak at national-level to K5.6 million.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Mr. Magwenzi offered condolences to those who had lost loved ones due to the epidemic, and wished those who were unwell a quick recovery.

He also urged everyone to take extra care of their health, especially during the outbreak, by adhering to the Ministry of Health advisory on cholera prevention, which included boiling drinking water, consuming hot food and maintaining good hygiene at all times.

Mr. Magwenzi said: “This donation was the third one following the K3.5 million donation made last week at the National Cholera Centre in Lusaka. Other support includes the K500,000 towards the rehabilitation of the Treatment Centre at Mazabuka’s Research Clinic. The current donation to DHO of assorted medical supplies, disinfectants and food stuffs are valued in excess of K1.6 million.”

He further went on to say: “In the past, Zambia Sugar has partnered with Government in addressing different diseases and social concerns, including the fight against Malaria, HIV/AIDS and COVID-19 fight, among other health-related issues. There is no better cause to which we can commit much-needed resources at a time such as this than to save a life. Zambia Sugar is committed to partner with Government in current outbreaks and future ones.”

Receiving the donation, which included IV giving kits, cannula, saline, disinfectant, chlorine, beds, sanitizers, bathing soaps, sugar, and soya chunks, the Mazabuka Area Member of Parliament and Minister of Local Government and Housing, Gary Nkombo, expressed his gratitude for the donation of this magnitude.

Hon. Nkombo said: “Zambia Sugar always supports Government efforts in various programmes. I urge other institutions to emulate this gesture in fighting the Cholera outbreak.”

He further urged the district leadership to ensure they inspect all sanitation facilities, especially in markets.

In attendance at the ceremony were the District Commissioner, Oliver Chinyama Mulomba; The Mayor, Vincent Lilanda; Town Clerk, Judith Mukwita Maambo and the District Director of Health Dr. Stephen Shajanika.

At the event, the Town Clerk urged the Minister to secure the Cholera vaccine for the district as quickly as possible to reduce the local residents’ chances of contracting the deadly waterborne disease.

Zambia Sugar remains committed to working with the Government and ensure that the outbreak is fully contained.