In times of disaster people depend on those who can maintain their own equilibrium and establish order and control—public officials who know what they're doing and can think on their feet. The Scientology Volunteer Ministers African Goodwill Tour is providing disaster relief training to Zambian police to make sure they know exactly what to do when disaster strikes.

Zambia is one of the southern African countries affected by torrential rains and floods. Exact figures are not available yet, but it’s believed thousands of people have been displaced or otherwise affected so far. Officials expect that figure to climb much higher.

Zambian water authorities are integrating information based on satellite imagery to alleviate water shortages. With inadequate information causing many water-related problems, an ESA project has generated a variety of environmental maps to provide local policy makers with the necessary tools for effective water resource management.

U.S. first lady Laura Bush will tour an AIDS treatment center and launch an anti-malaria campaign in Zambia on Thursday as she highlights U.S.-funded efforts to combat disease in the southern African nation.

Despite improvements in the ability to diagnose malaria, these diagnostic tests are often underused in Zambia, and patients with negative test results are often prescribed anti-malaria medications, according to a study in the May 23/30 issue of JAMA, a theme issue on malaria.

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has provided educational kits to jump start the educations of 60,000 school pupils in six flood-ravaged provinces of Zambia.