Government says Zambia has made significant strides in improving health outcomes, under the current National Health Strategic Plan.
Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services Kennedy Lishimpi says this is evident from the Maternal Mortality Ratio which has reduced from 278 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2018, to 187 in 2024.
Dr Lishimpi added that Infant Mortality Rate has also reduced from 42 to 34 deaths per 1,000 live births over the same period.
 Dr Lishimpi noted that the progress reflects government’s continued investment in strengthening the health system and expanding access to essential health services across the country.
He was speaking in Lusaka during the official opening of the national stakeholder consultative meeting for the development of the National Health Strategic Plan for 2027 to 2031.
Dr Lishimpi said that the new five-year National Health Strategic Plan will provide a roadmap for accelerating progress towards Universal Health Coverage by improving service delivery, strengthening health systems and enhancing equitable access to quality healthcare.
He however acknowledged that the health sector continues to face challenges, including the rising burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases, climate related health risks, shortages of health workers, inadequate financing and unequal access to healthcare.
The Permanent reaffirmed government’s commitment to addressing these challenges through sustained investments and the implementation of policies aimed at improving health outcomes for all Zambians.
Meanwhile, World Health Organization Country Representative Clement Lasuba, in a speech read on his behalf by WHO Health Policy and Systems Adviser Azmach Gebregiorgis, described the strategic plan as a critical opportunity to further strengthen Zambia’s health system and improve access to quality healthcare.
Dr Lasuba said the National Health Policy 2026 provides a strong foundation for achieving a healthy and productive population through equity, quality and innovation, noting that WHO remains committed to supporting Zambia through technical assistance, capacity building and policy support.
And Health Cooperating Partners Group Chairperson Seth Broekman said achieving Universal Health Coverage will require stronger procurement systems and improved inventory management to ensure a reliable supply of essential medicines and medical commodities.
Mr Broekman commended government for the progress made under the current National Health Strategic Plan and pledged continued support from cooperating partners towards the successful implementation of the next strategic plan.
