Zambia continues to show strong political commitment to advancing health and well-being, recognizing that a healthy population underpins sustainable development. Increased investments in health financing, disease prevention, and system strengthening reflect this understanding, with the World Health Organization (WHO) partnering closely to support these efforts. Hon. Moses F. Moyo, Second Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, emphasized that health is a prerequisite for development, ensuring inclusivity, accountability, and adequate funding.
Since independence, Zambia has made notable progress in primary health care, immunization, maternal and child health, and infectious disease control. Parliament’s oversight has been instrumental, with health budget allocations rising from 8% in 2022 to nearly 12% in 2024, moving toward the Abuja target of 15%. Hosting the 75th WHO Regional Committee for Africa in Lusaka in 2025 highlighted Zambia’s leadership in regional health dialogue, focusing on health sovereignty, local medicine production, and sustainable financing.
Despite these achievements, Zambia faces a triple burden of disease, including communicable diseases such as malaria, HIV, and cholera; noncommunicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension, increasingly affecting young people; and neglected tropical diseases and injuries. Addressing these challenges requires a One Health approach that integrates sectors such as agriculture, environment, and education.
For over six decades, WHO has partnered with Zambia to strengthen health systems, supporting disease surveillance, outbreak response, immunization programs, maternal and child health initiatives, policy development, laboratory strengthening, and workforce training. These efforts promote Universal Health Coverage and align with Zambia’s National Health Strategic Plan through the WHO Country Cooperation Strategy.
Parliament plays a central role in health governance through legislation, oversight, and budget approval. Key bills, including the ZAMMSA Amendment Bill, National Health Services Bill, and Tobacco Control Bill, aim to strengthen regulation and service delivery. Hon. Moyo welcomed the proposal for bi-annual consultative forums between WHO and Parliament to review priorities and performance, reinforcing transparency and coordination. Financing remains critical, with increased domestic funding, public-private partnerships, and the Constituency Development Fund supporting equitable access.
The partnership between WHO and Parliament embodies collective responsibility, striving for a Zambia where every child is vaccinated, every mother delivers safely, and all communities have access to essential health services. Dr. Lasuba emphasized that through leadership, oversight, and community participation, Zambia can build a healthier, more resilient future, with health as the foundation for sustainable development.
