Zambia government is taken all measures to eradicate Tuberculosis (TB) in prison throughout the country. This was disclosed by the Deputy Minister of Home affairs Alfreda Kansemba, and gathered by CEOAFRICA.com

While speaking at the opening ceremony of a consultative workshop on the review of strengthening the health systems in Zambian Prison at Chisamba, the Minister said government was aware of congestion in prison which contributed to widespread of diseases such as TB.

According to source, the Minister said Government had pledged to address the issue through construction of more prisons, prison clinics and hospitals, adding that her ministry had come up with initiatives and inputs that would help address challenges the Prison Service faces always.   

The Minister commended the European Union and other stakeholders who have signified their interest to assist the ministry in achieving its goals.

She said, “And the recent research conducted by the Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Zambia (CIDRZ) indicates that the prevalence of bacteriology confirmed TB among Lusaka Central Prison inmates was four times higher than the general population in Lusaka and the rate of HIV within six prisons was almost higher than the rates in the community.”

In his remark, the Commissioner of Prisons, Percy Chato said tha Lusaka Central Prison and Kabwe Mukobeko Group of Prisons’ TB research project was a success as it had 7,935 officers and inmates screened for TB. He urged Government to facilitate the erection of more clinics and hospitals at many centres and also, to employ medical personnel in an effort to meet the challenges faced by the prisons.

“I wish to acknowledge Government’s commitment in uplifting the welfare of our prisoners, especially within the realms of the provision of health services, I salute all our cooperating partners present,” he said.