Health Minister Calls for Covid Stigma to End

Zambia’s Health Minister Dr Chitalu Chilufya expressed his dismay at the continuing stigma against Covid-19 patients, who are choosing to suffer in silence at home, rather than travel to hospital for treatment for fear of being ostracised by family and friends. 

“There is no need for stigma because anybody is at risk. We frown upon stigma there is no need to stigmatise against COVID-19 patients”, said Dr Chilufya

The stigma against Covid-19 is also dissuading the population from getting tested for the disease, a key component to battle against its spread.

The Health Minister’s announcement follows the news that parliament was forced to adjourn on 21st July after several MPs and members of staff tested positive for the virus and two members died.

Rogers Mwewa, MP for Mwansabombwe, and Mwenya Munkonge, MP for Lukashya, both passed away last week as a result of complications associated with Covid-19.

Speaker of the House Patrick Matibini has also urged parliamentary staff and MPs to get tested, saying that Zambia’s lawmakers should lead by example. 

The Health Minister said that parliament’s advocacy of mass testing would go a long way in inspiring people to get tested for Covid-19.

Dr Chitalu Chilufya has also called for corporations to honour the pledges they made towards combating the spread of Covid-19.

He has suggested that some corporate entities have not yet fulfilled their goals in the fight against the virus.