INTERNATIONAL SAFE ABORTION DAY (ISAD) 2021
The Zambia Association of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians (ZAGO) organized activities in three (3) districts: Kafue (Lusaka Province); Kabwe (Central Province); and Chipata (Eastern Province). The event was organized in a way to draw stakeholders’ attention including the government and civil society to a realization that safe abortion was a human right.
The commemoration started with a Breakfast show on Crown Television. Two ZAGO OBGYN, Dr Jean Chirwa and Dr Whyson Munga featured on the show entitled, “Safe Abortion practice in Zambia” within the context of ISAD. The two Doctors shed light and provided answers to various questions.
Further, activities in various towns were characterized with march-pasts, traditional cultural dances, drama, poems, artistic painting display, and speeches.
In Kafue, District Commissioner was the guest of honour. Other invited guests included Kafue Member of Parliament, Kafue Council Chairperson, and officials from the Ministry of Health.
Equally, in Kabwe, there was a march-past, Brass Band entertainment, poems, and speeches. Invited guests included, the District Commissioner, Kabwe Council Town Clerk, District Health Director, among other officials.
In Chipata, the event was graced by a young charismatic Mayor of Chipata city. Other invited guests included representatives from District Chiefs and Traditional Affairs, District Health Director, and District Education Board.
Participants in all the activities came from the community, youth groups, health, education, and civil society sectors. Youth Organisations such as, YDF (Chipata), Itufika (Kafue), and MCZ (Kabwe) played a key role.
Prior to the eventful day, ZAGO had lined up a number of activities on its radio program (INSIDE HEALTH) currently airing in Lusaka (Millennium radio) and Kitwe’s Flava FM as well as on Kabwe’s KNC radio. The programs were filled with awareness discussions on various aspects of Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR). Primary focus was on safe abortion, legal framework on Termination of Pregnancy [ToP], and access to safe abortion services. So far, there has been overwhelming buy-in of the sensitisation activities ZAGO is carryout across the country. Many stakeholders are looking up to ZAGO to intensify awareness campaigns, especially in rural areas.
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