Health Minister, Masebo, allays fears on reason for national collection of blood samples

Government has flagged off the 7th Zambia Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS) with a caution to Zambians against relating the collection of blood samples to satanism.

Health Minister, Sylvia Masebo, also called on Zambians to counter check officers asking for data to avoid theft of their properties and unscrupulous people taking advantage of the situation.

Masebo made the call during the launch of the 2024, ZDHS in Lusaka on Wednesday at the Ministry of Health Headquarters.

She explained that the blood samples which would be collected by Data Collectors who had been sent in the field are meant to be tested for various possible illnesses under the ZDHS.

“I am extremely happy today to be the one to launch this very very important undertaking of Zambia Demographic Health Survey 2024 as a Minister of Health,” Masebo stated

She said the survey would be used to measure the progress made in over several health outcomes and it was crucial to understand that ZDHS was a comprehensive household based survey.

Masebo stated that the survey was meticulously designed to provide essential data for monitoring the health of Zambians.

“The primary objective of this survey is to furnish us with the reliable estimate of demographics and health indicators. It encompasses several health areas and these include fertility preferences, marriage and sexual activities,” she said.

The Minister identified other areas as family planning methods, maternal and child health domestic violence, nutrition issues, breastfeeding practices among others.

She stated that the survey also provided awareness on HIV and AIDS plus other sexually transmitted infections.

“Zambia would know the progress it had made in reducing infections and other diseases from 2021 to 2024 and help the country in tracking the Sustainable Development Goals and other national strategies,” Masebo added.

She indicated that the 2024 ZDHS would run for five months and Zambians should help data Collectors carry out their work by being responsive to their questions coming with the survey.

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