ObjectiveTo explore the health professionals’ and community members’ perspectives on the factors influencing transmission of the novel COVID-19 in Zambia.DesignAn exploratory qualitative study using in-depth interviews as data collection technique.SettingFour primary healthcare facilities and local communities of Lusaka city and Chirundu international border town under Lusaka province, Zambia.ParticipantsPurposive sampling of 60 study participants comprising health professionals (n=15) and community members (n=45). Health staff were health inspectors and surveillance officers. Community members included public market traders, civic and religious leaders, immigration officers, bus and international truck drivers.ResultsBoth health professionals and community members were aware of the COVID-19 pandemic, the preventive and control measures. Nevertheless, stark differences were observed on the two groups’ perspectives on COVID-19 and the factors influencing its transmission. Most health staff expressed high personal risk and susceptibility to the disease and a positive attitude towards the prevention and control measures. Conversely, myths and misconceptions influenced most community members’ perspectives on the disease and their attitude towards the COVID-19 guidelines. Participants were unanimous on the low levels of adherence to the COVID-19 preventive and control measures in the community. Reasons for non-adherence included limited information on COVID-19, negative attitude towards COVID-19 guidelines, social movement and travel patterns, networks and interactions, living and work conditions, water and sanitation facilities, and observation of behaviours of important role models such as politicians and other community leaders. These factors were perceived to increase the risk of COVID-19 transmission.ConclusionThese findings highlight important factors influencing transmission of COVID-19 in Zambia. Future interventions should focus on providing information to mitigate myths and misconceptions, increasing people’s risk perception to the disease, and improving attitude towards the prevention and control interventions and mitigating structural and socioeconomic barriers.

In Zambia, anthrax has emerged as a serious disease decimating humans, livestock and wildlife with devastating effects on eco‐tourism resulting in the destabilization of major pristine wildlife sanctuaries. Consequently, the thrust of this study was to establish the spatial distribution of anthrax and determine ecological drivers of its recurrence, maintenance and epidemiological linkage to anthropogenic activities. Environmental and biological samples were collected within the livestock production and conservation areas (n = 80). Each sample was serially tested for Bacillus anthracis positivity through blood agar culture and Gram stain technique, and then confirmation by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (MPCR). Questionnaires (n = 113) were conducted at independently distinct villages in terms of space and time. Most respondents showed that animals that died from anthrax were not properly disposed off. More likely than not, poverty being the main driver for anthrax carcass dressing and meat distribution contributed to environmental contamination with anthrax spores in areas where the animals subsequently died resulting in further environmental contamination, which is the major source of primary infection for livestock and wildlife. From the samples, 15 pure isolates of anthrax were obtained which were spatially distributed across four districts. Twelve, biologically plausible variables were found to be highly significant on multivariable logistic regression analysis model for questionnaires which included herd size (odds = 10.46; P = 0.005; CI 8.8–16), carcass disposal method (odds = 6.9; P = 0.001; CI = 3.4–9.8), access to veterinary services (odds = 10.87; P = 0.004; CI = 4.8–15.9) and management system (odds = 2.57; P = 0.001; CI = 1.3–7.5). In summary, the majority (78.7%) of anthrax outbreaks were observed in areas with low veterinary services (χ2 = 8.6162, P = 0.013) within the newly created districts of Nalolo, Mwandi and Luampa.

Background: A propagative increase in SARS-CoV-2 transmission has been witnessed in Zambia since the index case was reported in March 2020. Although sociocultural factors including movement patterns, people’s livelihood, and way of life have been demonstrated to influence SARS-CoV-2 transmission dynamics, the role of environmental risk factors has not been adequately documented. The aim of the study was to investigate environmental risk factors contributing to the transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 in Zambia using a cross-sectional study Results: The positivity rates were 10.5 % cell phones, 5.3% door knobs, 2.7% remote controls and 2.6% beddings. All the other surfaces came out negative. The sex proportion of the respondents was 55% and 45% males and females respectively. Regarding occupancy density, 37.5% (15/40) resided in a 2 to 3-roomed house, 32.5% (13/40) resided in a 4 to 7 roomed house and 30% (12/40) resided in > 7-roomed house. Of the 40 respondents, 75% (30/40) used recyclable face masks while 25% (10/40) used non-recyclable face masks. For the non-recyclable face masks, 30% of the respondents indicated incineration as a disposal method. A correlation coefficient of 0.25 was documented for the association between occupancy density and surface contamination. Conclusions: The study revealed that most environmental surfaces particularly mobile phones were rarely disinfected and were most likely to contribute to the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in the community. Furthermore, the majority of the respondents used recyclable face masks which are easily washable. However, those who used non-recyclable face masks disposed of them indiscriminately which has the potential of contaminating the environment and further lead to the transmission of SARS-CoV-2.