President Hakainde Hichilema has urged African nations to align public health regulations to improve outcomes and strengthen regional cooperation. Speaking on Zambia’s health sector achievements, he cited political will, resource mobilization, and innovation as key drivers in building resilient health systems.
“Health is not only a human right but a critical enabler of economic growth and social development. Our government remains deeply committed to the One Health approach, recognizing that the health of humans, animals, and the environment are inextricably linked,” President Hichilema stated.
Zambia’s advancements in maternal and child health were highlighted as a model for the continent. Since 2020, the country has reduced its maternal mortality rate by 14 percent through improved service delivery, workforce expansion, and targeted interventions. Maternal mortality ratio declined from 252 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2018 to 187 per 100,000 in 2024, while the neonatal mortality ratio dropped from 27 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2018 to 17 per 1,000 in 2024.
President Hichilema reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3.1, which targets 70 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030. “We need resilient health systems capable of offering quality healthcare during pregnancy, childbirth, and early childhood. Our progress is encouraging, but our ambition is to go further, faster, and secure healthier futures for mothers and children across Zambia,” he said.
Zambia’s experience demonstrates how focused policy, strategic investments, and innovation can strengthen health systems, offering lessons for other African countries seeking to improve maternal and child health outcomes.