2 February 2008
Ndola — HEALTH Minister, Brian Chituwo, has reassured the nation that scientific investigations into the injectable contraceptive, Depo Provera have not shown any traces of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
Dr Chituwo said in a ministerial statement in Parliament yesterday that experts at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) had carried out their investigations which proved that the contraceptive does not contain HIV.
Owing to the sensitivity of the matter, the ministry took into consideration the need to safeguard Zambians and hence sending more samples of the product to South Africa for independent opinion.
"Depo Provera does not contain human serum at all. Serum is a watery component of human blood. It should also be noted that HIV cannot survive in Depo Provera, a non life sustaining environment," Dr Chituwo said.
He said the consignment for Zambia was labeled 'for export only' probably because of trade tax control purposes or for meeting required specifications. He said such labeling is even done in Zambia where some books are marked 'not for sale' saying that did not indicate that the books are of inferior quality.
Dr Chituwo emphasised that Depo Provera was withdrawn from health institutions and quarantined pending the completion of scientific investigations. This was done for the purpose of safeguarding citizens.
Even the suppliers of the product have been notified about the concerns of the Government and the general public.
"I wish to assure the public in general and the women in particular that this matter is under control and that there is absolutely not cause for fear or panic.
Dr Chituwo also said the Government had further asked for test comparison between the contraceptive that comes into Zambia with that from other countries.
He was responding to a follow up question from Lumezi member of Parliament Isaac Banda (MMD) who wanted to know whether the Government had any plans to compare the Depo Provera used in America and the one used locally.
Agriculture and Cooperatives Deputy Minister, Daniel Kalenga, told the House that $78,536,478.66 was realised from the export of tobacco from Eastern Province to Malawi from 2001 to 2007.
Mr Kalenga said this when responding to a question from Mr Banda (MMD) who wanted to know how much was realised from the tobacco export. Mr Banda also wanted to know whether there is any plan to set up a tobacco factory to enable the province export finished products.
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This is the most embarrasing comment I have ever come accross. If Mr Brian Chituwo was very educated and inteligent, How come he sent the Drug to be tested in South Africa? Shame Shame.
On this Note I would advice Mr Brian Chituwo to step down as health Minister. He is arrogant for nothing.
If he does not step down,He will be fired by Zambian women.