President Hakainde Hichilema met with the Churches Health Association of Zambia (CHAZ) at State House yesterday afternoon. The courtesy call focused on strengthening cooperation between government and faith-based health providers, especially at a time when donor support to developing countries, including Zambia, continues to decline.
During the discussions, President Hichilema emphasized the urgency of closing health funding gaps through smarter and genuine collaboration. He noted that reduced external financing has created pressure on the health sector, which risks leaving citizens vulnerable if not addressed.
“We must deepen our partnerships so that no Zambian is left medically vulnerable,” the Head of State said.
CHAZ plays a critical role in the country’s health system, particularly in rural and underserved areas where government facilities are limited. The organization runs hospitals, health centers, and community health programs that serve millions of Zambians who would otherwise struggle to access care.
President Hichilema acknowledged this contribution, thanking CHAZ and other non-government partners for their continued efforts to improve health outcomes. He highlighted the importance of ensuring that rural communities, which often face barriers such as distance and limited resources, are not left behind.
He stressed that government remains committed to working closely with CHAZ and similar institutions to secure the delivery of essential health services. Strengthening this partnership, he said, is not only necessary but critical for improving public health and safeguarding citizens against the challenges of reduced donor funding.
By uniting government resources with the reach and capacity of CHAZ, Zambia aims to maintain progress in healthcare access, resilience, and equity across the country.
President Hichilema closed his remarks by underscoring that this collaboration must remain a priority for the well-being of the people.