COVID-19 information and vulnerable communities (2) Statement by President Lungu

26 March, 2020

How to protect Zambian society from the virus

Hello everyone,

Following the same line of conversation on how to protect Zambian society from the virus, the President of the Republic of Zambia addressed his compatriots. Emphasizing that everyone should take COVID-19 seriously and change their social behaviour.

What we will ask ourselves, what kind of information (and misinformation) is circulating in Zambia right now? What are the opportunities and threats for those who have access to social media?

Extracts below. Statement by His Excellency, DR. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, President of the Republic of Zambia on the COVID 19 Pandemic - Wednesday, 25th March, 2020:

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I have seen multitudes patronising bars or freely, hugging and shaking hands at funerals, contrary to health advise.

Let me say this; if your lifestyle has not changed in the past few weeks, then you are doing something wrong and endangering both yourself, your neighbour and your loved ones.

Countrymen and women,

Remember, we are at war, a public health war against covid-19 where everyone must stand up and be counted. The health guidelines of frequently washing hands, sanitising, cleaning our environment, not shaking hands and observing social distance from each other are key to our survival.

This fight cannot be won without community participation. Let us be each other’s brother and sisters keeper and encourage one another to seek medical attention whenever one feels unwell and exhibits flu like symptoms.

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Full statement here: https://www.moge.gov.zm/download/speech/STATEMENT-PRESIDENT-LUNGU-ADDRES...

HIFA-Zambia profile: Yina Garcia Lopez has a PhD in Public Health, Miguel Hernᮤez University, Spain, and a BA in Social Communication and Journalism, The University of North, Colombia. She is currently based in Edinburgh, UK. yinaliz.garcia AT gmail.com