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Using community radio stations to reach Zambia’s remote populations through relatable content

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The media is a powerful tool for disseminating information and reaching targeted audiences, including the most remote areas.

However, accessing some of the hardest-to-reach populations requires a strategic approach, particularly through community radio stations.

Community radio has proven to be the most effective way to disseminate information to these audiences.

These stations often “serve as the most trusted agent in town that brings change.”

They play a crucial role in building vibrant communities, mobilizing action, informing and empowering citizens, giving voice to marginalised groups, and bringing community needs to the attention of local and national governments.

Despite the challenges associated with community radio development, its impact is vast and undeniable.

Panos Institute Southern Africa (PSAf) Programmes Manager, Nervious Siantombo, emphasized the need for sustained investment to enhance the role of community radio in Zambia.

Siantombo called for governments to create supportive regulatory and operational environments for radio stations and for increased funding for programming that reflects diverse voices and perspectives.

“By strengthening the radio sector, we can enhance its ability to serve as a catalyst for positive change, promote social cohesion, and advance sustainable development goals,” Siantombo stated.

He also highlighted the need for financial support, journalist training, protection from undue influence, and investment in local content production.

Established community radio stations in rural areas broadcast in local languages, reaching isolated communities effectively.

To ensure messages are received by the targeted audience, media content should be produced in local languages and address specific needs and interests.

Using accessible formats such as audio, images, and simple language can cater to diverse literacy levels.

Collaboration with local organizations, NGOs, and government agencies is essential to amplify reach and impact.

Additional considerations include capacity building, where local media practitioners and community members are trained to produce and disseminate content.

Localizing content to adapt global information to local contexts makes it more relatable and effective.

By leveraging community radio stations and tailoring content to the needs of hard-to-reach populations, Zambia can integrate and empower these communities through media.

The power of community radio to mobilise groups and drive societal change is well-recognized globally.

It remains a crucial component of the media sector for empowering disenfranchised sectors and fostering democratic and social change.

This story is sponsored by Project Aliyense.

Metro

Chinese mining giant CNMC set for $1.6 billion investment in Zambia

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A Chinese mining giant, China Nonferrous Metal Mining Company (CNMC), has announced the investment of over $1.6 billion in Zambia, following successful discussions with President Hakainde Hichilema at the State House on Tuesday.

CNMC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Wen Gang, who held the discussions with Hichilema along with the Chinese Ambassador to Zambia, Han Jing, confirmed the company’s commitment to furthering Zambia’s economic development.

“We are actively investing in critical sectors of Zambia’s economy,” Gang said after the meeting.

He noted that CNMC was currently pumping water from Shaft 28 at Luanshya Copper Mine, where 29.9 million cubic liters have been cleared as part of intensified dewatering efforts, adding that the company plans to inject an additional $200 million to develop a greenfield mine on the Copperbelt.

President Hichilema who welcomed CNMC’s commitment, highlighted the potential economic impact of the firm’s investment which will include job opportunities for Zambians.

“This $1.6billion investment, alongside advanced technology and expansion, will extend operations and create more jobs and opportunities for Zambians, especially in mining contracting and supply,” the President said.

He also expressed gratitude to Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Chinese government for their shared commitment to fostering growth and cooperation between the two countries.

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Mpox immunisation scarcity slows Kinshasa’s epidemic fight

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A lack of mpox vaccine doses has prevented the Democratic Republic of the Congo from starting a campaign in the capital, Kinshasa, the response commander has confirmed.  However, the number of cases nationwide is still rising, particularly among youngsters.

 

In mid-August, a new strain of pox started to spread from the Congo to neighbouring countries, prompting the WHO to declare a global health emergency. However, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, donors have been hesitant to turn their pledges into cash and vaccines.

 

The head of operations for Congo’s mpox control program, Cris Kacita, stated on Tuesday that the country needed more than 162,000 doses of vaccine to start a vaccination campaign in the capital, but that 53,921 doses were still available for use in prisons, where inmates are at greater risk because of unsanitary conditions.

 

The capital, which is home to about 20 million people, has so far been less impacted than other parts of the nation. In six other provinces, vaccination campaigns are now underway.

 

Along with additional shipments from Germany and the African Union, France has committed to providing 100,000 doses.

 

He added the arrival of vaccines was also delayed by the administrative process, which includes sending an official request, manufacturing, creating documentation and gaining import authorisations.

 

“As long as we don’t have the necessary quantity, it’s going to be complicated to launch (vaccination) in the 14 health zones,” Kacita told Reuters, referring to areas of Kinshasa.

 

According to a health ministry study, from October 28 to November 2, 1,017 new suspected cases were registered nationwide in Congo, including 45 confirmed cases and 16 fatalities.

 

Since children are almost four times more likely than adults to die from the new strain of mpox, the charity Save the Children warned on Wednesday that targeted vaccines were necessary to halt the virus from spreading quickly among children.

 

“Children are especially vulnerable to mpox – they explore by touch and taste, don’t always understand health guidance, and have weaker immune systems than adults,” Katia Vieira de Moraes LaCasse from Save the Children said.

 

According to Africa CDC data, there have been over 42,000 suspected cases of Mpox in the continent, with 1,100 deaths reported so far this year.

 

The Mpox virus can spread from person to person via intimate contact and also from place to person through objects and surfaces that a person infected with Mpox has touched.

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