Technical Education, Vocational Entrepreneurship Training Authority (TEVETA) has developed  a Medical Oxygen Management and Maintenance curriculum aimed at building capacity in oxygen production supply, storage and administration.

Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati said oxygen therapy is crucial for preventing deaths among children and adults globally as because it is a lifesaving treatment for various respiratory illness including COVID-19 and Pneumonia and is essential; during surgeries.

Mr Mutati said the COVID-19 pandemic drastically increased the demand for Oxygen, particularly in low to middle income countries where the need rose to 1.1 million oxygen cylinders.

Speaking in a speech read on his behalf by Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary, Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi during the launch of the skills award curriculum in Medical Oxygen Management and Maintenance and Learning Materials Mr Mutati said currently training institutions in the country lack a curriculum that adequately address the Technical Training needs for medical oxygen systems.

“Our healthcare workforce is not sufficiently equipped with the specialized knowledge necessary for the service and maintenance of medical oxygen production and storage equipment. To address these challenges, PATH supported the Ministry of Health in developing a skills award curriculum aimed at building capacity, “Mr Mutati said.

He said the skills award in medical oxygen management and maintenance consists of a practical manual and a theory manual and the initiative not only aims to enhance the capabilities of the healthcare workforce but also strengthen public health preparedness in the country.

And PATH Country Director Dr. Enerst Muyunda said his organization focuses on addressing and taking critical steps in enhancing health care globally.

Dr Muyunda said the skills award in oxygen production supply, storage and administration curriculum is a response to emerging health threats during outbreaks and that the outbreak of COVID-19 was a clear indication that oxygen is life serving.

Meanwhile TEVETA board chairperson, Ngoza Nkwabilo said through the partnership with PATH a competence-based training programme has been developed that is both practical and timely.

Ms Nkwabilo said the skills award in medical oxygen management and maintenance is designed to upskill medical engineers and medical support personnel with hands on knowledge and competence needed to manage oxygen production and maintenance systems efficiently safely and consistently to medical standards.

And TEVETA Director General, Cleophas Takaiza said with support from PATH Zambia and strategic direction from the Ministry of Health, TEVETA facilitated the development of a curriculum and learning package that is practical, comprehensive and nationally validated.

Mr Takaiza said what had been launched was more than just a syllabus but a response to a national health challenge, a lifeline to future patients and a new benchmark for health-related skills training.

And in his vote of thanks Evelyn Hone Principal, Dr.  Agrippa Hamweendo said his institution as one of the implementors of the curriculum in oxygen production supply, storage and administration was ready and appreciated all the hard work that was put into the development of the curriculum.