• As of December 16, over 300 people have been vaccinated.
• Approximately 60 community health workers and traditional leaders have been trained.
• Chisamba expect to vaccinate up to 40 percent of the population by Christmas Day.

United States (US) Peace Corps Zambia has trained approximately 60 community health workers and traditional leaders in Chisamba district of Central Province to disseminate information about COVID-19 and promote uptake of vaccines.

In a statement, Peace Corps Zambia Communications Specialist Mwinsi Akapelwa said the Agency joined the Chisamba District Health Office in the local re-launch of the National COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign, held at Kaputi Secondary School, adding that his Royal Highness Chief Chamuka of the Lenje people also supported the trainings.

Speaking at the event, Peace Corps Director Brad Favor commended local leaders on the role they play in mobilizing people in the community to get vaccinated.

“We are honoured to take part in this Ministry of Health program and contribute to a greater number of people being vaccinated. The drive towards vaccine uptake can be resounding if we all work together,” he said.

And Chisamba District Administrative Officer Brave Mazuba thanked the multi-sectorial approach to increase vaccinations, stating that it will help to amplify dissemination of accurate information, as well as community mobilization of all eligible persons to access vaccines.

“With the collaboration of Peace Corps Zambia, and the government’s commitment to providing equity in access to cost-effective, quality health care, we expect to vaccinate up to 40 percent of the population in Chisamba District by Christmas Day,” he stated.

Following the launch and training, more than 170 people received the vaccine, and as of December 16, over 300 people have been vaccinated against COVID-19 as part of the district’s campaign.
The Peace Corps is an independent agency in the executive branch of the U.S. government and its Volunteers serve in over 60 countries, working hand-in-hand with host country governments, local organizations, and communities to achieve critical development goals.

Zambia has traditionally hosted the largest number of Volunteers of all Peace Corps countries worldwide, under cross-sector initiatives including health, education, agriculture, and environment.