Certain UK news outlets are carrying false stories regarding The Duchess of Wessex's 'decision' to cancel her involvement in the trip to Zambia due to "fears over the ZIKA virus". This has been totally refuted by the Royal Press Office.
The fact is that the virus is not, nor never has been, in Zambia. The World Health Organisation, Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Centre for Disease, Control and Prevention all advice that there is currently no risk of Zika when travelling to Zambia.
Prince Harry start his visit to Zambia today whilst pregnant Meghan spends time with her mother. The Duke of Sussex will be taking a two-day tour of Zambia without his wife, who will be taking some rest in preparation of the baby’s arrival in
Spring 2019. The official statement from the Palace stated, ‘HRH The Duke of Sussex takes a special interest in Southern Africa and is assured a warm Zambian welcome during his first official visit to Lusaka.’
Prince Harry's frequent visits to the region - including Malawi, Botswana and now Zambia - have helped to increase interest in this area of the world - where tourism is a major contributor to GDP and especially helpful in increasing employment, and providing funds for health facilities and schools.
A statement from the Zambia High Commission states ‘Zambia has never experienced any Zika case and has not been listed on the Center for Disease Control and Protection as a country that is prone to the disease.’
Tim Henshall, Chief Executive added " Travellers have started to contact UK tour operators to cancel holidays to Zambia. This is totally unnecessary and I'm sure Prince Harry will be devastated
to hear this misleading story is impacting on his beloved Africa."
The country that is famous for the unmissable Victoria Falls, wild and authentic game viewing in the Luangwa Valley, the magnificence of the mighty Zambezi River, the wide-open wilderness of Kafue and amazing tribal festivals can be visited with the peace of mind that there is no risk of the Zika virus!
For further clarification on the risk of Zika around the world, please check FCO advice or the CDC website for the most up to date Zika Map.
Get Active - We're launching #NoZikaInZambia and #RoyalVisitZambia on social media to counter this false story. Let's get behind Zambia and ensure we turn Harry's visit into a really positive story.
