“The increasing numbers of road traffic accidents and fatalities witnessed annually represent torn families, unfulfilled dreams and potentials unrealized,” says UNDP Programme Specialist, Chali Chisala Selisho. 

Speaking at the handover of medical supplies and equipment at Mtendere General Mission Hospital in Chirundu district, Ms Selisho said “through the global #moments2live4Ccampaign, UNDP Zambia, UN Road Safety Fund (UNRSF) and the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) joined hands to raise awareness on the loss of lives on the road.” Ms Selisho said the campaign highlights the fact that globally, every 24 seconds someone dies in a road traffic accident. In Chirundu alone, between in 2022 and 2023, a total number of 354 accident victims were attended to at the hospital. The #moments2live4 Campaign highlights the dedication of the front-line workers who provide care and treatment to the victims of road traffic accidents. 

Speaking at the same occasion, RTSA CEO Eng. Amon Mweemba said in speech read on his behalf by Deputy Director - Safety Eng. Alinani Msisya, that “RTSA and UNDP in support of the 2023 Road Safety Week themed: Acting Together for Road Safety, resonated deeply with the Agency’s mission to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities on roads by implementing preventative strategies for road safety. Eng. Amon Mweemba further noted that “the Agency would continue identifying many other needy areas that need the Agency’s intervention in promoting and supporting post-crash care.” 

Mtendere Mission General Hospital Director, Brother Hippolyte Manirakiza accepted the donation of medical consumables and equipment valued at K118,200.00 on behalf of the health facility, sharing that the items would go a long way to support the efforts of front-line workers as they attend to victims of road accidents. Donated items included wheelchairs, digital BP machines, digital clinical thermometers, bandages, neck collars and other medical consumables.