HEALTH Minister Sylvia Masebo says Zambia is making strides in public health despite the unfavorable effects of the drought that has negatively affected food security, access to water, electricity and health service delivery.
Speaking at the Seventy-Seventh World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, Ms MASEBO said the success is due to the strong political will, demonstrated by Republican President Hakahinde Hichilema, who’s proactive response has avoided the adverse effects of the drought.
She said government had improved healthcare financing through increased budgetary allocation from 7.0 percent in 2021 to 11.8 percent in 2024.
She however said that despite these successes, Zambia is still besieged with many Heath challenges including high Malaria burden with 30,400 cases per day, 50 percent of new HIV infections affecting young people, high maternal mortality with 278 death per 100, 000 live births, an increase in non- Communicable disease, antimicrobial resistance and neglected tropical diseases.
And Ms Masebo has told world leaders that the Zambian government’s health transformative agenda has in the recent passed procured 200 ambulances, constructed maternity annexes in all existing health facilities, ensured sustained financing with establishment of a drug fund to pool resources to improve commodity security.
She added that the development of a local pharmaceutical manufacturing strategy and health system digitalization was promising positive dividends.
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