UNZA tips Govt on Anthrax

By Effie Mphande

The University Of Zambia -UNZA- School of Public Health has called for investment in refrigeration equipment for Anthrax vaccines in rural areas.

UNZA Senior Lecturer and Researcher DOREEN SITALI says it is important for the country to consider investing in cold chain equipment to maintain the effectiveness of vaccines.

Dr. SITALI has told ZNBC news in an interview that one of the challenges farmers face is lack of cold chain equipment to maintain the potency of vaccines.

She has also appealed to farmers to consider forming cooperatives and start buying vaccines collectively.

Dr. SITALI is of the view that this will make vaccines cheaper among farmers.

She said there is also need to start sensitizing farmers to look at cattle keeping as an economic activity.

Dr. SITALI explained that most farmers in villages think cattle are for ploughing and paying dowry but do not place value on vaccination.

And Dr. SITALI has called for continuous sensitisation of members of the public against Anthrax.

She said there is need to relook at social behaviour change messaging against anthrax.

And University of Zambia PhD Fellow ISAAC SILWAMBA said there is need for the country to seriously look at the management of the disposal of carcasses infected with anthrax.

Dr. SILWAMBA who is also a Veterinarian has asked farmers not to touch animals that die on their own but inform Veterinary doctors.

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