Zambian official highlights importance of media cooperation among developing nations

Media cooperation among developing countries is conducive to boosting mutual understanding and diplomatic ties, and helps address common challenges more effectively, said Webster Malido, director general of the Independent Broadcasting Authority of Zambia.

In an exclusive interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN) in Beijing on Wednesday, Malido highlighted the importance of media cooperation among developing nations.

"To start with, I think, we fully understand that the advancement and developments in the innovation space have really converged media in terms of their ability to collaborate. Particularly, I think, when it comes to the opportunity for media in China and Zambia to cooperate, [it] benefits the industry in terms of the opportunity to reinforce mutual understanding, cultural exchanges and also just broadly, diplomatic relations between the two nations. So we see opportunities in terms of these partnerships around skills transfer, sharing in terms of the new technologies that the media is adopting across different jurisdictions, but within the South of the global system," he said.

CGTN will soon launch a new program "Global South Voices" in collaboration with media partners from developing nations, which is a platform to raise the profile of the Global South on major issues.

Speaking of his expectations for the show, Malido said it is a timely initiative to help to amplify developments within developing countries of the South.

"And so we can only wish the initiative a great success. We believe that there's an opportunity through this initiative to foster more inclusive storytelling and promoting dialogue within the South region, and I think also strengthening the broad capacity of media within the Global South," the director general said.

Malido said collaboration among Global South countries will also help to address their common challenges more effectively.

"Indeed it is very true that cooperation among Global South countries is also key in strengthening media collaboration, sharing our diverse perspectives, but also ensuring that developing countries' stories are globally heard and they've got global reach. I think by collaborating on matters such as media and technology, the Global South nations have an opportunity to share best practices, to strengthen institutional capacities and just to address common challenges more effectively. And we believe that these partnerships provide a platform to also highlight development successes, our cultural diversities, and also just to showcase the innovative solutions in the sector that are happening in the Global South, including here, the innovation that we've seen today here at the China Media Group," he said.

Zambian official highlights importance of media cooperation among developing nations

The prices of some life-saving medicines have soared to levels that are unaffordable for ordinary people in Venezuela, as the United States has ramped up military presence in the Caribbean off Venezuela's coast, alongside escalating sanctions, blockades and military threats against the oil-rich South American nation since late August.

At a northeastern suburb in the capital city Caracas, locals can still purchase most of the commonly used medicines at a major supermarket, where some antibiotics have been sold out, and some first-aid medicines and supplies have become too costly for ordinary residents.

"I'm here mainly to buy antibiotics. I have problems with my lungs. But I can't get all I want, such as vancomycin," said a resident named Alfonso.

"(Recent tensions have affected) the supplies and prices of drugs. The prices of cancer drugs, insulin drugs and albumin are very high, and most patients here cannot afford them," said Giovanna Gonzalez, a pharmacist with the supermarket.

Around 90 percent of the raw materials for drugs in Venezuela rely on imports, and the country's medical equipment such as monitors and anesthesia machines are almost entirely dependent on overseas supplies.

Main international airlines suspended flights to and from Venezuela in November, and U.S. blockades have delayed many cargo ships for a month, with some refusing to dock in Venezuela for safety concerns.

"Venezuela has been caught in the complex humanitarian emergency declared by the World Health Organization for about 10 years. If the suspension of flights persists, relevant international companies will have to choose more difficult or longer transportation routes, which will further push up the already high prices of medicines and medical equipment in Venezuela, and the patients will pay more money," said Huniades Urbina-Medina, president of the National Academy of Medicine of Venezuela.

Venezuela's medicine prices soar to unaffordable level amid US blockades