YOU WHAT?!

What I actually said to the newspaper reporter:

"I can confirm that a meeting took place between myself, a doctor and the HRH Chieftainess Mwenda regarding the matter you are referring to. All other questions will need to be directed to the District Director of Health."

What appear in two national newspapers this weekend:

"Chikankata Hospital Authorities worried over increased cases of defilement

Mazabuka, 09 February,2008 ZANIS......Authorities at Chikankata Mission Hospital in Mazabuka have expressed worry at the increased cases of defilement being attended too by medical staff at the health institution.

Hospital Administrator, Mr Richard Bradbury told ZANIS in Mazabuka today that most children admitted to the Children's ward where victims of sexual assault.

Mr Bradbury said the hospital management has since sought the intervention of Chieftainess Mwenda to help sensitise communities on the dangers of defiling under aged children.

He said the rate at which girls are defiled in the area is worrying and called for the protection of under aged girls from sexual abuse.

And Chieftainess Mwenda has confirmed receiving a team of senior hospital staff led by administrator, Richard Bradbury.

She said the team complained that girls as young as 10 years were frequently being defiled and receive treatment at the hospital while suspected defilers are left scot free because of the absence of Police in the area.

Chieftainess said she will not allow the scourge to continue because it is ruining the lives of children."

Three points;

1. Amazing what you can get from one sentence.

2. Most children are admitted to the children's ward with Malaria, Pheumonia or Malnutrition

3. The increase is due to increased awareness amongst community members and now at least they are actually bringing the children to the hospital for treatment.