The 75th Session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for Africa officially opened today at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka, with President Hakainde Hichilema delivering the keynote address.
President Hichilema welcomed delegates from across Africa and beyond, highlighting Zambia’s pride in hosting the event. He stressed the importance of unity, innovation, and self-reliance in advancing health systems, noting that health diplomacy, regional manufacturing of health commodities, and harmonized public health regulations are critical to the continent’s long-term development.
The President highlighted Zambia’s health sector achievements, including increasing the health budget to 12 percent of the national budget, nearing the 15 percent Abuja Declaration target. He also noted the recruitment and deployment of 20,000 health workers in the last three years, surpassing WHO’s recommended minimum workforce density. Zambia has expanded its health infrastructure through new hospitals, mini-hospitals, and health centres, while strengthening service delivery via a minimum package of essential health services.
President Hichilema reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to continental health priorities, particularly as the African Union and WHO Global Cholera Control Champion, pledging to mobilize resources toward eliminating cholera.
The country’s leadership received recognition from global health figures. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus commended Zambia for achieving a 14 percent reduction in maternal mortality since 2020 and for prioritizing health financing, workforce development, and digital health transformation. WHO Regional Director for Africa, Prof. Mohamed Janabi, described Zambia’s progress as a blueprint for the region, calling for bold leadership across Africa. Minister of Health Hon. Dr. Elijah Muchima emphasized that regional and global collaboration is essential, noting that no country can address health challenges alone.
The 2025 Regional Committee session will focus on advancing universal health coverage, strengthening health security and emergency preparedness, and addressing maternal and child health, malaria, and non-communicable diseases.
Hosting the WHO Regional Committee underscores Zambia’s growing leadership in health policy and its commitment to improving health and well-being across Africa under the theme, “Building a Healthier Africa Together.”