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 Nkhata Bay leaders in Ebola training

Traditional leaders in Nkhata Bay District have pledged to assist the district health office (DHO) in sensitising their subjects on Ebola which has claimed over 11 000 lives in West Africa.

According to World Health Organisation (WHO), Ebola is a viral disease formerly known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever. It is severe and fatal in humans. The virus that causes the disease is transmitted to people from wild animals and spreads in the human population through human-to-human transmission.ebola

Speaking during a training workshop on Ebola for traditional leaders at Nkhata Bay District Hospital on Tuesday, Senior Chief Fukamapiri said diseases do not have mercy, hence the need for traditional leaders to go out and sensitise the masses on the dangers of Ebola.

The chief said traditional leaders will carry out the task using area development committees (ADCs), village development committees (VDCs) and other forums.

He said: “We applaud the district health office for orienting us on Ebola and because we are now knowledgeable on the disease, we will be able to educate others on the dangers of the disease and how to prevent it.”

Besides Ebola, traditional leaders were also asked to encourage their subjects to observe good hygiene practices to avoid cholera.

Nkhata Bay district environmental health officer Owners Ngulube said since rainy season was at hand, there was need for traditional leaders to sensitise their subjects on good hygiene and sanitation.

The training workshop attracted 13 traditional authorities (T/As) and some religious leaders in the district. n

 

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