Central Province Permanent Secretary Milner Mwanakampwe says the province has continued to prioritise the fight against communicable diseases, particularly HIV and Tuberculosis, through strengthened prevention, early diagnosis, treatment and community awareness programmes.
Dr Mwanakampwe disclosed that Central Province has witnessed a significant rise in viral load suppression among people living with HIV from 79 percent to the current 94.2 percent.
Permanent secretary added that tuberculosis case notification improved from 60 percent in 2024 to 68 percent in 2025, while treatment success rates have remained above the WHO benchmark of 90 percent.
Speaking at the official launch of the 2027–2029 Medium-Term Budget Plan and the 2027 National Budget planning process, the Permanent Secretary said the government’s priorities remain aligned with the five pillars of Zambia’s National Health Compact 2026–2030, which is aimed at achieving Universal Health Coverage and building resilient health systems.
“The province will also focus on improving access to quality, people-centred healthcare services, strengthening primary health care, maternal and child health services, referral systems and hospital services to ensure no one is left behind,” he stated.
Dr Mwanakampwe added that planning provides government, cooperating partners, civil society organisations and the private sector with an opportunity to develop coordinated interventions that respond to the most pressing health challenges.
“The government will enhance the availability of essential medicines, vaccines and medical supplies through improved procurement systems and supply chain reforms while investing in the recruitment, training and retention of health workers, especially in underserved areas,” said Dr. Mwanakampwe.
He therefore urged health stakeholders to set priorities that will strengthen healthcare delivery and improve health outcomes across the province.
Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary noted that digital health technologies will continue to play a key role in improving health information management, service delivery, transparency and evidence-based decision-making.
And Provincial Health Director Dr. Elijah Mutoloki said the planning will enable the Ministry of Health and its cooperating partners to identify gaps and strategies to improve outcomes.
